Latest news with #LokmataAhilyabaiHolkar
India Gazette
8 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi releases 'Commemorative Coin and Stamp' in honour of Ahilyabai's 300th birth anniversary; inaugurates Datia, Satna airports, Indore Metro
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 31 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 'Commemorative Coin and Stamp' in honour of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniversary at 'Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan' programme in Bhopal on Saturday. PM Modi also virtually inaugurated Indore metro and newly constructed Datia and Satna airports through a single click from the event at Jamboree ground in the capital city. Additionally, he further laid the foundation stone of various development projects in the state on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, 'All these projects will enhance facilities in Madhya Pradesh, accelerate development, and create many new employment opportunities.' Paying his tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar, the Prime Minister asserted that just hearing this name evokes a deep sense of reverence. 'She is a symbol of how, when there is public willpower and firm determination, even the most adverse circumstances can be overcome and transformed into remarkable outcomes. Centuries ago, when the country was shackled in slavery, accomplishing such great deeds that future generations would continue to speak of them was no easy task,' he said. 'At a time when our culture and temples were under attack, Lokmata took it upon herself to protect and preserve them. She undertook the restoration of countless temples and pilgrimage sites across the country, including the Kashi Vishwanath temple. It is my privilege that the very Kashi where Lokmata Ahilyabai carried out so many developmental works has also given me the opportunity to serve,' PM Modi said. Further, he urged the farmers to practice crop diversification which Ahilyabai had said 250-300 years ago. 'To increase farmers' income, Lokmata Ahilyabai had told us 250-300 years ago to encourage cotton and spice farming. Even today, after 250-300 years, we have to continuously tell our farmers to practice crop diversification. You cannot get stuck in only cultivating paddy or sugarcane,' PM Modi said. Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar is remembered for her people centric policies, deep commitment to economic and socio-cultural issues, specially those that affected the life of women. She encouraged the education of women and their participation in the social and religious life of the local community. She supported and encouraged women weavers to make Maheshwari sarees. Her contributions were wide ranging from infrastructure development (water bodies, roads, dharamshalas) to reconstruction and revival of temples across the length and breadth of the land. The edifices created by her have not only left an indelible mark on India's cultural and spiritual landscape but also stood the test of time. (ANI)
India Gazette
12 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Will enhance facilities in Madhya Pradesh": PM Modi inaugurates Indore Metro, airports in Satna, Datia
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 31 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. On the occasion of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniversary at the 'Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan' in Bhopal, PM Modi inaugurated Datia and Satna Airports, transforming connectivity in the region. He also inaugurated Indore Metro, the first metro rail service in Madhya Pradesh, which includes 28 stations and is estimated to cost Rs 7,500 crore. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, 'All these projects will enhance facilities in Madhya Pradesh, accelerate development, and create many new employment opportunities.' Paying his tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar, the Prime Minister asserted that just hearing this name evokes a deep sense of reverence. 'She is a symbol of how, when there is public willpower and firm determination, even the most adverse circumstances can be overcome and transformed into remarkable outcomes. Centuries ago, when the country was shackled in slavery, accomplishing such great deeds that future generations would continue to speak of them was no easy task,' he said. 'At a time when our culture and temples were under attack, Lokmata took it upon herself to protect and preserve them. She undertook the restoration of countless temples and pilgrimage sites across the country, including the Kashi Vishwanath temple. It is my privilege that the very Kashi where Lokmata Ahilyabai carried out so many developmental works has also given me the opportunity to serve,' PM Modi said. Further, he urged the farmers to practice crop diversification which, he said, Ahilyabai had told 250-300 years ago. 'To increase farmers' income, Lokmata Ahilyabai had told us 250-300 years ago to encourage cotton and spice farming. Even today, after 250-300 years, we have to continuously tell our farmers to practice crop diversification. You cannot get stuck in only cultivating paddy or sugarcane,' PM Modi said. At the occasion, Prime Minister Modi released the 'Commemorative Coin and Stamp' in honour of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. (ANI)
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi to attend Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniversary program in Bhopal tomorrow
New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh government is commemorating the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, a visionary reformer and cultural patron in Bhopal on May 31. The event will be held at Jamboree Maidan in Madhya Pradesh's capital city and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will grace the occasion as a Chief Guest. The commemorative programme will be held in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and state Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. This event forms a part of the Ministry of Culture's ongoing efforts to commemorate and celebrate India's heritage and remember and honour the great visionaries who have shaped the cultural and social foundations of Bharat. During the program, a 'Commemorative Coin and Stamp' will be released in honour of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniversary. An exhibition will be displayed showcasing her remarkable life, works, and contributions to Indian society and culture. Additionally, the program will also include cultural presentations reflecting the ethos and values upheld by Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar throughout her life Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar is remembered for her people centric policies, deep commitment to economic and socio-cultural issues, specially those that affected the life of women. She encouraged the education of women and their participation in the social and religious life of the local community. She supported and encouraged women weavers to make Maheshwari sarees. Her contributions were wide ranging from infrastructure development (water bodies, roads, dharamshalas) to reconstruction and revival of temples across the length and breadth of the land. The edifices created by her have not only left an indelible mark on India's cultural and spiritual landscape but also stood the test of time. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ahilyabai Holkar strengthened roots of Sanatan Dharma: Yogi Adityanath
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday described the life and contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar as a timeless source of inspiration for Indian society, noting that she strengthened the roots of Sanatan Dharma and laid the foundation of India's cultural legacy through her broader national vision, which continues to shape New India even today. He made the remarks at two events held under the 'Punyashlok' Pujya Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Tricentenary Year Memorial Campaign-2025' at Ram Manohar Lohia Law University and GPO Park in Lucknow. Speaking at the law university, Adityanath said, 'The remarkable contributions of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar to Sanatan Dharma are a source of inspiration for all. This very inspiration motivates us to ensure that the foundation of good governance becomes a heritage.' He added that PM Narendra Modi's vision of combining heritage with development reflects the same path once laid by Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. At a time when her kingdom was much smaller compared to modern India, she still went beyond her borders to restore temples destroyed by invaders, thereby strengthening the roots of Sanatan Dharma, he said. He further said that the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme being run in Uttar Pradesh is a true tribute to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, as it helps revive the lives of traditional artisans and craftsmen. He also mentioned that new PAC battalions have been formed in the name of women warriors like Maharani Laxmibai, Uda Devi, Jhalkari Bai, and Avanti Bai. He mentioned that reserving 20% seats for women in the Uttar Pradesh Police Force is part of the same mission started by Prime Minister Modi to empower women. The CM further said that Maharaja Suheldev, who exposed and defeated the foreign invader Salar Masud nearly a thousand years ago, was largely forgotten by Indian society. Salar Masud was the nephew of Mahmud of Ghazni and had repeatedly looted and destroyed the Somnath temple. He was also the first to attack the Shri Ram Janambhoomi. The chief minister explained that in 1033 AD, when Salar Masud returned to India with the aim of destroying temples, Maharaja Suheldev led a strong resistance and defeated him so thoroughly that no foreign invader dared to enter India for the next 150 years. 'Power-hungry individuals who submitted to foreign rule erased Suheldev's legacy from the pages of history,' he remarked. A symbol of ideal Ram Rajya: BJP MLA BJP's Sarojini Nagar MLA Dr Rajeshwar Singh welcomed the dignitaries at the event held at the law university in his assembly constituency. Besides CM Yogi, those who attended the event included BJP national general secretary (organisation) B.L. Santosh, BJP state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, and deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. Dr Rajeshwar Singh expressed pride in hosting the event in his constituency, calling Devi Ahilyabai Holkar a 'symbol of ideal Ram Rajya.' He noted her extraordinary legacy—restoration of 8,527 temples across India, establishment of 39 orphanages, and her inspirational governance from 1767 to 1795. 'Ahilyabai Holkar transcended royalty to become 'Devi Ahilya' – a beacon of dignity, devotion, and courage. The overwhelming presence of women today has made this event truly divine,' he said. Meanwhile, at GPO Park, the chief minister inaugurated an exhibition which, he said, will educate the people of Uttar Pradesh about Ahilyabai Holkar's significant contributions. He emphasised that the past is not merely meant to be read about but to be reflected upon and learned from. He stated that it is our responsibility to correct historical missteps and embrace the glorious chapters of our history as ideals. Adityanath further stated that, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is currently experiencing a renaissance of its cultural heritage and ancient values. He said, 'From Kashi Vishwanath Dham to Kedarnath, from Muktinath in Nepal to Somnath, and from Mahakal to Rameswaram — efforts to reconnect with India's spiritual and cultural heritage are evident under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.' Before his address, the chief minister visited the exhibition, which showcased various themes from Ahilyabai Holkar's era, including her contributions to agriculture, women's empowerment, business, justice, administration, compassion, prosperity, and equality. She was invincible: BL Santosh BJP national general secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh on Thursday said Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar was truly invincible—she never lost a single battle. 'Her contributions to the revival of India's religious and cultural heritage are monumental. The very existence of the grand temples in Kashi, especially in their current form, is largely due to her efforts. Had it not been for Ahilyabai Holkar, we might not have witnessed this architectural and spiritual grandeur in Kashi,' Santosh said. He lamented that mainstream education has long overlooked such towering figures. 'It is unfortunate that we were not taught about Ahilyabai Holkar in schools and colleges. For years, leaders like Shivaji, Maharana Pratap, and Ahilyabai were excluded from our academic curriculum. Yet, 300 years ago—long before the term 'women empowerment' gained popularity—Ahilyabai had already set a remarkable example,' Santosh stated.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi inaugurates exhibition in Lucknow to mark Ahilyabai Holkar's birth anniversary
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 29 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday inaugurated a grand exhibition in Lucknow, organised under the 'Punyashlok' Pujya Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Tricentenary Year Memorial Campaign-2025. The Chief Minister described the life and contributions of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar to mark her birth anniversary. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi has connected the entire nation with a new jewel from India's glorious past through this exhibition dedicated to Pujya Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. With the intent that more and more people can visit and pay their respects to such a revered Lok Mata, this exhibition has been organised not just here, but at every district headquarters, said CM Adityanath. Chief Minister Yogi said that the grand initiative will inspire the entire state and serve as a significant milestone in our collective journey toward national integration and innovative societal efforts. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed happiness that a Government Medical College in Auraiya would be named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. The UP chief minister slammed the previous Samajwadi Party state government for renaming a degree college in Auraiya. 'There was a degree college in Auraiya named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. The Samajwadi Party government had changed the name of that degree college. Today, I am happy to announce that in the same Auraiya, we will name the Government Medical College after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar', CM Yogi said. Last week, CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the National Seminar-2025 on 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development' on Thursday. The CM stated that achieving the country's goal of net zero by 2070 could not be fulfilled solely by the government but required the collective efforts of everyone. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was born on 31 May 1725 in a Maratha Hindu family in the village of Chaundi, now in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district. This year marks her 300th birth anniversary. (ANI)
