Latest news with #TricentenaryYearMemorialCampaign-2025
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CM: Life & contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar inspire all
1 2 Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday described the life and contributions of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar as a "timeless source of inspiration" for Indian society. Yogi was speaking after inaugurating an exhibition at GPO Park organised under 'Punyashlok' Pujya Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Tricentenary Year Memorial Campaign-2025. The CM said the exhibition will educate the people about Lokmata's contributions while providing an opportunity to draw inspiration from her exemplary work in promoting social harmony, national unity and public welfare. "The past is not merely meant to be read about but to be reflected upon and learn from it. It is our responsibility to correct historical missteps and embrace the glorious chapters of our history as ideals," he said. Yogi noted that this exhibition offers a valuable opportunity for introspection. "Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's nationwide vision established her as a remarkable symbol of good governance, security and public order," he said. The Chief Minister said: "While we may not have witnessed Lokmata Ahilyabai's era firsthand, over the past 11 years we have seen a living reflection of her ideals in the governance model of Prime Minister Modi. 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. " He also expressed satisfaction that consistent efforts are being made to bring the life and legacy of the nation's great personalities closer to the masses. "As part of this mission, Uttar Pradesh is hosting a series of events from May 21 to 31, including seminars, essay competitions, exhibitions, drama series and folk music programmes, under the 'Punyashlok' Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Janm Trishatabdi Varsh Smriti Abhiyan," he said. Highlighting country's progress, the CM said today's India is not only a nation of ideas but also a vibrant example of infrastructure-led development. "With the expansion of highways, expressways, rail networks, metro systems, rapid rail corridors, airways, and waterways, a new image of India is emerging. The health sector, too, has seen transformative change — while the country had only one AIIMS for decades after Independence, six more were built under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and now 23 additional AIIMS have been established under Prime Minister Modi, presenting a modern model of healthcare. " He further said the nation was steadily advancing toward the goal of 'One District, One Medical College,' while the National Education Policy is proving to be a milestone in reforming the education sector. A host of senior BJP leaders, including party national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh, UP BJP chief Bhupendra Chaudhary, UP BJP general secretary (organisation) Dharampal Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and jal shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh also attended the event. Maurya said this exhibition is a matter of inspiration for the youth, especially for daughters. "Along with efficient governance, Lokmata showed the revival of not one but many religious places which were destroyed by the Mughals," he said.
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
3 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)
