Devi Ahilyabai's 300th birth anniversary marks launch of major women empowerment drive in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh began year-long celebrations of the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar with a grand convention on women empowerment in Bhopal, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event was organized entirely by women, reflecting the spirit of self-reliance championed by the legendary queen.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav paid tribute to Devi Ahilyabai, calling her a pioneer of good governance, cultural revival, and women-led development. Her legacy, he said, continues to guide the state's vision of inclusive growth and empowerment. The Holkar queen had not only revitalized hundreds of temples across the country but also enacted landmark social reforms—from enabling women's property rights to launching women-run industries like the famed Maheshwari sari sector.
To carry forward her ideals, the Madhya Pradesh government launched the Devi Ahilyabai Nari Shakti Mission, focusing on education, health, safety, nutrition, and economic independence for women. Key goals include increasing the girl child sex ratio, reducing maternal mortality, preventing child marriages, and boosting women's workforce participation.
The state also announced several new initiatives, including the Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Training Programme and special cabinet sessions held at Maheshwar and Indore. The government reiterated its commitment to women-led tourism and entrepreneurship, offering up to 50% capital grant support to women entrepreneurs under the MSME Policy 2025.
Dr. Yadav emphasized that schemes like Ladli Bahna Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and One Stop Centers are strengthening the foundation of a self-reliant society. With increased reservations for women in government jobs and special industry parks, Madhya Pradesh is charting a new course in gender-inclusive development.
The Chief Minister concluded with a message of gratitude and resolve: 'The prosperity and empowerment of women will shape the future of families, society, and the nation—just as Lokmata Ahilyabai envisioned.'
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