31 MAY 2025, New Delhi
On the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large gathering of women at the Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects including metro services, new airports, and railway line upgrades to boost connectivity and employment in the region.
Paying tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar, PM Modi called her a symbol of strength, good governance, and cultural preservation. He praised her efforts in rebuilding temples, supporting farmers, promoting women’s rights, and encouraging cottage industries centuries ago.
The PM emphasized the government’s focus on women-led development, stating that schemes like Namo Drone Didi, Lakhpati Didi, Mudra Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat are helping rural women become financially independent. He said many women now own homes, run businesses, and work in key areas such as science, defense, and startups.
He also spoke about Operation Sindoor, India’s largest counter-terrorism mission, and praised the role of women soldiers in it, highlighting how women are now serving at forward posts in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
At the event, PM Modi released a Rs 300 commemorative coin and postage stamp in memory of Ahilyabai Holkar and presented the National Devi Ahilyabai Award to a woman artist promoting tribal and folk arts.
Who was Ahilyabai Holkar?
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar (1725–1795) was one of India’s most respected and visionary women rulers. She became the queen of the Holkar kingdom of Malwa and is remembered for her wise governance, support for arts, social reforms, and temple restoration across India. She ruled with compassion, promoted trade and agriculture, built roads and wells, and helped the poor.
Ahilyabai was deeply spiritual and believed in equality and justice. She encouraged widow remarriage, gave property rights to women, and even formed women’s security groups. Her legacy continues to inspire women and leaders across the country.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
