Women should break barriers and create history: Telangana minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka

Danasari Anasuya Seethakka, a minister in the Telangana government, urged women to break barriers and create history.

At SheSparks 2026, YourStory's flagship event that celebrates women leaders, Seethakka, Minister for Panchayat Raj & Rural Development (including Rural Water Supply), Women & Child Welfare, Government of Telangana, described her journey of transformation: from being a Naxalite and to a minister now in the Telangana government as she realised the power of democracy.

Seethakka, who is popularly known as the 'Iron Lady of Telangana', said, “When I was a Naxalite, I never thought I would be a lawyer. When I was a lawyer, I never thought I would be an MLA. When I was an MLA, I never thought I would complete my PhD and have this position (as a minister).”

In a fireside chat with YourStory founder Shradha Sharma, Seethakka spoke about how she fought against injustice in society and urged women to gain economic independence to fight challenges in a patriarchal system.

“I strongly believe when women gain economic power, families become stronger, communities become more resilient, and the entire state progresses,” she said.

Seethakka faced considerable challenges in life during her days as a Naxalite, when she lost her husband and brother. She continued her education after getting back into mainstream society.

Speaking of her leadership, she said it is guided by three pillars: determination, dedication and discipline.

"These are my three Ds, the foundation of both my struggle and my values. As I look towards the future, my vision builds on another set of principles: inclusion, integrity and impact,” Seethakka said.

She said the goal of an empowered India cannot be accomplished unless every woman, whether she lives in a metropolitan city or a remote village, has the access to opportunity, dignity, and leadership.

The minister said she did not have a godfather or the backing of any major caste and grew purely on her determination to face challenges head on and make a mark in society.

“I believe that when a woman rises from the grassroots, she does not just uplift herself, she lifts her entire community along with her,” she said.

The minister said the issue of discrimination is not restricted to women from the lower-income strata alone and is prevalent among all sections of society.

Seethakka said lakhs of women continue to suffer silently, be it at homes or at the workplace, and called for forums where they could share and discuss their problems openly with others. She believes such forums can serve as a source of inspiration and support to other women.

The minister said her life is dedicated to the service of society.

“I never fear and go back... We have to fight and face the challenges, then only we are alive in the society," she said.

Seethakka, who stands as a tall example of what women can achieve through sheer determination, said that this was the first time she was speaking at a public forum in New Delhi.