Devi Ahilyabai Laid Foundation of National Awakening Centuries Ago: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Bhopal, May 2026 : Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav participated in the 301st birth anniversary celebrations of Punyashloka Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar at Gandhi Hall in Indore on Sunday. Addressing the grand commemorative event, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav described Devi Ahilyabai as an unparalleled embodiment of good governance, public service and cultural renaissance. He said that Lokmata’s system of governance reminds us of Ram Rajya. At a time when powerful kingdoms dominated the political landscape, Devi Ahilyabai established new benchmarks of good governance through her exceptional administrative skills. The Chief Minister said that the cultural and spiritual awakening being witnessed in India today has its roots in the foundations laid by Lokmata nearly three centuries ago.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Devi Ahilyabai Holkar played a significant role not only as an able ruler but also as a compassionate protector of religion, society and culture. By restoring numerous temples and pilgrimage sites across the country, she revitalised India’s faith traditions and Sanatan culture. The Chief Minister said that by rebuilding temples, which symbolise faith and devotion, she safeguarded religion and made public welfare the cornerstone of governance. He added that she taught Indians to live with self-respect and to stand up and fight for it. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav conferred the ‘Ahilya Gaurav Samman’ on Justice Shri Anand Singh Bahrawat and Justice Shri Himanshu Joshi of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, both distinguished personalities from Indore. He also distributed awards to the winners of a photography competition.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Lokmata deeply understood the essence of dharma. She was a visionary ruler who encouraged entrepreneurship and possessed profound knowledge of politics, diplomacy, financial management and economics. He noted that her foresight continues to be reflected in the global recognition of Maheshwari sarees, which today showcase India’s rich textile heritage and entrepreneurial excellence. The Chief Minister said that the Madhya Pradesh Government is carrying forward Lokmata’s ideals of public service and welfare-oriented governance. He highlighted that the state is implementing the Devi Ahilya Women Empowerment Mission to ensure the holistic social and economic empowerment of women. Through this mission, effective steps are being taken to make women self-reliant and empowered. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav further informed that Police Battalion No. 1 in Indore has been named the Ahilyabai Battalion in her honour. Recalling the celebrations of Lokmata’s 300th birth anniversary, he said that a State Cabinet meeting was held at Rajwada in Indore and a large-scale women’s conference was organised in Bhopal.

Referring to Lokmata’s contribution to nation-building, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav described her as a skilled administrator, a pioneer of good governance, and an enduring source of inspiration for women’s empowerment. He congratulated the Indore Municipal Corporation and the office-bearers of the co-organising institution Avom Bharat for successfully organising the grand event in her memory.

Indore Mayor Shri Pushyamitra Bhargava said that Indore has been the karmabhoomi of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai. He stated that it is due to her blessings and legacy that Indore has entered the Super League in cleanliness rankings and is also leading in the Clean Air Initiative. The Indore Mayor added that Indore is now moving towards becoming a digital city, with development taking place in every direction. By 2029, the city’s water storage and supply capacity is expected to double. Mayor Shri Bhargava said that Ahilya Utsav 2026 is a fitting tribute to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai and reflects the city’s continued commitment to the ideals and path she envisioned.

The programme began with a captivating musical rendition of the national song Vande Mataram by an orchestra comprising nearly 150 members, featuring melodious performances on the flute and other musical instruments. This was followed by a Ganesh Vandana presented by Shri Brajesh Braj and his troupe.

Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat, Indore Member of Parliament Shri Shankar Lalwani, former Minister and MLA Sushri Usha Thakur, former Minister and MLA Shri Mahendra Hardia, MLA Smt. Malini Gaur, MLA Shri Madhu Verma, MLA Shri Rakesh Golu Shukla, Shri Pratap Karosia, Shri Sawan Sonkar, Shri Gaurav Randive, Dr. Nishant Khare, Shri Shravan Chawda, along with other public representatives and citizens, were present on the occasion.