Medical college in Auraiya to be named after Ahilyabai: Yogi
Lucknow, May 22 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday announced that Auraiya's medical college would be named after Rani Ahilyabai Holkar.
Addressing a seminar organised under the Punyashlok Rani Ahilyabai Holkar Birth Tricentenary Year Smriti Abhiyan at his official residence, the CM said that great personalities cannot be divided based on caste, opinion or religion and criticised previous governments for attempting to do so.
Specifically referring to the Samajwadi Party's (SP) tenure, he said, "There was an attempt to change the name of the degree college established in the name of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar in Auraiya. The current government has decided to name Auraiya's medical college after Mata Ahilyabai Holkar."
The event saw a large gathering of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers from across the state. The CM warmly welcomed them and recalled the significant contributions of Mata Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, urging the workers to spread her ideals among the public.
Yogi said that where there is morality and good sense, positive energy flows. Praising the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that the country's 140 crore citizens are inspired by this positive energy.
Highlighting the contrast with governments before 2014, he said that Ram and Krishna were once dismissed as imaginary, attempts were made to break Ram Setu, and corruption, distrust, anarchy and political conspiracies prevailed. "In contrast, the Modi government instilled a 'Nation First' ethos, enabling India to reach new heights with pride today," he said.
The CM said, "New India does not provoke anyone, but if provoked, it does not spare the offender. Operation Sindoor stands as a living example."
He outlined the state's progress in infrastructure, connectivity, railways, metro, rapid rail and ropeways. He highlighted that the central government has approved UP's policy for semiconductor manufacturing, which will further boost semiconductor production in the state.
Yogi elaborated on the life and contributions of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar and said that she was born on May 31, 1725. "Despite being married at a young age, she continued her education and, over her 70-year lifespan from 1725 to 1795, established an exemplary system of governance. She made remarkable strides in empowering farmers, youth, artisans, handicrafts men and women."
Referring to her restoration efforts, he highlighted that Ahilyabai ventured beyond Malwa to renovate temples destroyed during the eras of Aurangzeb and Babar. "She restored revered sites such as Pashupatinath, Rameshwar, Mahakal, Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath and temples in Bengal. Like Banaras, the sarees of Mahishmati and the grandeur of the Narmada ghats still bear testimony to her reign," he said.
The CM described Ahilyabai as a symbol of women's empowerment, emphasising that while women globally were struggling for their rights, she was administering an ideal governance system in India. He said that seven working women's hostels are being constructed in her name across the state.
He said that women empowerment is also being promoted through initiatives like the Nari Vandan Act and other government schemes. "Besides, the UP government has named three PAC battalions after Avanti Bai, Jhalkari Bai and Veerangana Uda Devi symbolising respect for women's strength," he said.
Calling upon BJP workers, Yogi urged them to engage with the public over the next 10 days and share the life and legacy of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar. He said that various programmes honouring Ahilyabai are being organised nationwide from May 21 to 31 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Workers should convey that India revered women's power at a time when women worldwide were still fighting for their rights," he said.
The event was attended by Rashtriya Sah Sangathan General Secretary Shiv Prakash, Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, BJP State President Bhupendra Chaudhary, State Minister Ajit Pal, programme coordinator Sanjay Rai, along with numerous state ministers, BJP leaders and workers.
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