India, March 8 -- National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar on Saturday said that true empowerment of women begins with breaking mental barriers created by fear, self-doubt and long-standing social conditioning.

Addressing a national convention of women thought leaders in the national Capital, Rahatkar noted that Indian civilisation has traditionally viewed women not merely as individuals or social roles but as embodiments of power, creation and consciousness.

Referring to the cultural symbolism of Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga, she said Indian society has historically recognised women as the foundation of knowledge, prosperity and strength rather than limiting them to the family sphere.

Rahatkar st...