Bharat Ki Laxmi: WIM Bhagyashree Thipsay honoured by PM Modi

Bhagyashree Thipsay, the first woman who won International Grand Master- Chess, became one of the latest to join the list of women being recognised and honoured under the ‘Bharat Ki Lakshmi’ campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in his last Mann Ki Baat radio address urged the citizens to honour the extraordinary achievements of women in society. The PM on September 29, during the 57th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', announced the launch of ‘Bharat Ki Lakshmi’ campaign during Diwali.

READ | Bharat Ki Laxmi: Shila Dawre - India’s 1st Woman Auto-rickshaw Driver

So who is Bhagyashree Thipsay?

Bhagyashree Thipsay (59) is an Indian chess player holding the title of Woman International Master (WIM). Bhagyashree was brought up in Mumbai and played Chess right from when she was 12. She first competed in the famous ‘Annual Sangli Tournament.’ Bhagyashree won five times the Indian Women's Championship (1985, 1986, 1988, 1991 and 1994) and the Asian Women's Championship in 1991. In 1984, she was a joint winner with Vasanti Unni of the British Ladies' Championship.

Bhagyashree is also a recipient of the Padma Shri in 1986 and the Arjuna award the following year.

READ | Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Says 'This Diwali, Let's Celebrate Nari Shakti'

PM's appeal to felicitate women's contribution to the nation

"Daughters are considered as Lakshmi in our culture. Can't we felicitate daughters in our villages and cities by holding public programmes? There are several daughters, daughters-in-law who are doing exceptional work ... some are teaching poor children, some are spreading awareness about health and sanitation. Many are serving as doctors, engineers ... as lawyers, they are helping in the delivery of justice. The society can identify such daughters and honour them across India”, he said in his September radio address.

READ | Harshini Kanhekar, India's First Firefighter, Has Been Honored

Prime Minister Modi also asked netizens to promote the cause on social media using the hashtag #BharatKiLakshmi as he recalled the earlier success of his ‘selfie with daughter’ campaign. "Encouraging Bharat ki Lakshmi means strengthening the path to success of the country and its people," the leader said.

READ | Mann Ki Baat: PM Narendra Modi Emphasises On Women Empowerment