In India, few festivals evoke the sense of emotional bonding and sacredness like Raksha Bandhan. Traditionally celebrated between brothers and sisters, it is a day when a sister ties a rakhi—a sacred thread—on her brother’s wrist, praying for his well-being, while the brother vows to protect her. But in today’s ever-evolving socio-political and cultural landscape, the symbolism of Raksha Bandhan has grown deeper and broader. It is not merely about blood relations anymore—it is about trust, gratitude, and meaningful connections, even between the public and those who lead them.
For the past 11 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given new meaning to Indian festivals by celebrating them with a deeper sense of connection and duty. While he spends Diwali with soldiers at the border, he marks Raksha Bandhan with the nation’s sisters and daughters. Each year, women from diverse backgrounds are invited to the PM’s residence to celebrate this special bond. I was deeply honoured to be part of this heartfelt tradition and had the privilege of tying a rakhi on his wrist. It was a moment of pride, love, and unity that I will always cherish.
As someone who has dedicated years to social work and empowerment of women, particularly those with hearing and speech impairments, Raksha Bandhan has always been close to my heart. During my tenure as the Vice President of the Delhi Foundation for Deaf Women (DFDW) for three consecutive years, ending in 2024, I had the opportunity to engage closely with countless strong, talented, and determined women. The organization itself has been a beacon of hope and transformation for hundreds of women who face communication barriers every day of their lives.
The Mission of DFDW: Empowerment beyond Words
Founded in 1978, the Delhi Foundation for Deaf Women is not just a charitable organization—it is a movement. At its core, DFDW is committed to rehabilitating and empowering deaf women through education, vocational training, legal awareness, cultural participation, and social inclusion.
A Simple Idea with Profound Meaning
In 2024, as the festival of Raksha Bandhan approached, I was reflecting on how to make this celebration more meaningful for our members. That’s when a thought struck me—a thought that would go on to become a beautiful and emotional experience for many.
I suggested to the women in our group that we tie rakhis to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was not just a symbolic gesture of siblinghood, but a mark of respect, admiration, and deep gratitude for a leader who has served the nation with commitment, courage, and vision. The idea resonated with the women almost instantly.
We often talk about connection and visibility, especially for marginalized communities. For hearing and speech-impaired women, expressing feelings to society—let alone national leaders—is not always easy. But the rakhi, in its silence, speaks volumes. By tying rakhis to Prime Minister Modi, we wanted to express not only our trust in his leadership, but also to demonstrate that deaf women, too, are part of this nation’s story—contributing, celebrating, and expressing.
What followed was incredibly heartwarming. The women of DFDW—many of whom communicate through Indian Sign Language—began creating handmade rakhis with great enthusiasm. Each rakhi was a unique piece of art and these rakhis carried not just thread, but emotion—woven with hope, pride and love.
For these women, this was the first time they were participating in such a nationally significant gesture. It was empowering. It made them feel included, heard, and respected—not as people with a disability, but as citizens with a voice.
The Broader Message
PM Narendra Modi warmly met with students, teachers and staff from various organizations invited to his residence. He personally exchanged pleasantries with each one, engaging in friendly conversations that made everyone feel valued and comfortable. His approachable conduct created an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie, turning the occasion into a heartfelt celebration of bonds and unity. By interacting like a friend rather than a leader, Modi strengthened the festival’s spirit of trust and protection. This inclusive celebration reflected his ongoing commitment to connecting with people from all walks of life during India’s cherished festivals.
I had the honour of introducing Prime Minister Modi to our students from the Delhi Foundation for Deaf Women. I translated their heartfelt messages, expressing love, gratitude and admiration. It was a touching moment where emotions were conveyed through signs, creating a beautiful connection beyond words with the nation’s leader.
This initiative was never meant to be political. It was personal, emotional and cultural. It was a celebration of inclusion, of being part of a democratic fabric where every citizen—regardless of their abilities—has the right to express, participate, and belong.
It also served as a powerful reminder to society: that festivals are not limited to rituals, but are opportunities for deeper human connection. When people from diverse backgrounds come forward with open hearts, they contribute to the spirit of unity and national pride.
A Legacy to Continue
For me personally, this experience became one of the most fulfilling moments in my journey with DFDW. It reaffirmed why such organizations matter—not only for rehabilitation but for restoring identity, dignity, and pride in people.
The response from our community, the excitement of the women, and the symbolic weight of each rakhi tied to the Prime Minister all came together to weave a beautiful narrative—one where threads spoke louder than words.
In the end, it was not about the rakhi itself, but what it represented: Love, Legacy and Leadership.
