From reviving religious places to Op Sindoor, govt has been drawing inspiration from Ahilyabai Holkar's life: Adityanath
He also said India's strong reply to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack was inspired by the principles of self-defence espoused by the Maratha ruler.
Speaking at an event in Agra held under the ongoing 'Punyashlok Lokmata Janma Trishatabdi Varsh Smriti Abhiyan – 2025', the chief minister said: 'During the Mughal period, when foreign invaders destroyed and corrupted the symbols of India's identity and faith, especially the temples, Devi Ahilyabai did the great work of their revival two and a half centuries ago.'
'She renovated many religious places, including Puri's Jagannath Temple, Gaya Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kedarnath Dham, Mahakal Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Somnath Temple, Bhimashankar Temple, and Rameswaram Temple with her personal funds instead of using state assets… She lived for only 70 years, but her personality remains a beacon of inspiration,' Adityanath said.
Adityanath started his speech by addressing Agra as 'Brajbhoomi' and described it as a historical land that was graced by Lord Krishna's presence.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya also attended the event, organised by Union Minister SP Singh Baghel.
Stating that Ahilyabai Holkar's contributions to women, artisans, farmers, youth, security, and India's cultural heritage remain unforgettable and commendable, he said the double-engine government' key welfare schemes, such as Lakhpati Didi, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Matru Vandana Yojana, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign draw inspiration from Lokmata's life.
He added that Ahilyabai Holkar had empowered the Malwa kingdom with self-defence capabilities—an approach that resonates in India's modern military actions.
'Today, our armed forces strike back with strength, as seen in surgical and air strikes against terrorism. When Pakistan supports terrorists, India responds across the border. Our air force even destroyed their air defense system—this resolve draws inspiration from Lokmata's visionary legacy,' he said.
'When under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the brave Indian jawans destroyed the air defence system of Pakistan through Operation Sindoor… compelled the enemy to bow, it was inspired by the actions and principles of self-defence that the Lokmata espoused during her reign,' Adityanath said, adding that no force can stop a society inspired by its national heroes, and cited Ahilyabai Holkar's life as a shining example.
The chief minister also announced that a medical college in Auraiya has been named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar.
Hitting out at the previous Samajwadi Party government, Adityanath said: 'In the past, some people used to change the name of the degree college built in her (Holkar's) name, but we are honouring her legacy. Today, the double-engine government has named the medical college in Auraiya after Lokmata.
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Today, every Bengali-speaking Muslim is branded an infiltrator. They are pushed across borders, detained and their homes demolished. The prime minister's words could fuel this violence – they do not merely evoke disquiet, as an editorial suggested – they are actually dangerous. The consequences are real, and they fall upon Muslims and Christians. In his speech, the PM pledged to save the nation's 'daughters' from infiltrators – a spectacle of 'love jihad' dressed in a new uniform. But it is also jaded. Many noted that fatigue had set into Modi – there was repetition, hollow rhetoric. But has anyone ever tired of hatred? One person might turn away, but for many, hatred remains fresh, alluring. That is why even though people leave the RSS, its ideology of hate and division continues to draw new followers. Hate existed within Hindu society before, but in 2014, we liberated ourselves of our inhibitions when Modi was accepted as prime minister. India began walking – no, sinking – into the mire of hate and violence. Better to say: it stepped into that morass. But perhaps even that is incorrect. Muslims, Christians, Sikhs – they refused to go to that morass. Yet, the power of the Hindu majority dragged them in. They are bearing the consequences of the decision of the majority of Hindus. They are paying the cost of majoritarian decisions. On Independence Day, the chief propagandist of this hate played his tried-and-tested record. When we hear it, do we feel disgust? Or do we wonder if there is still some authentic hate we are craving for – something more visceral, more real? Apoorvanand teaches Hindi at Delhi University. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Advertisement
