CM Dhami Attends 300th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Ahilyabai Holkar in Haridwar

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 300th birth anniversary celebration of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, organized by the Dhangar community in Haridwar.

Village Renaming Announcement

On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that village Salempur will be renamed in honor of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, subject to proposal approval and no objections. Paying homage to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, the CM said that the Dhangar community has long been a cornerstone of India’s livestock-based economy, playing a vital role not only in the country’s economic growth but also in preserving and enriching India’s cultural heritage. He acknowledged their continued contribution to the vision of a self-reliant India through hard work, integrity, and self-respect.

Ahilyabai Holkar: A Symbol of Women’s Empowerment

CM Dhami praised Ahilyabai Holkar as a saintly figure in Indian history and a supreme example of women’s empowerment. Her entire life was dedicated to reviving Sanatan values and Indian culture. She played a key role in restoring sacred temples and ghats across India—including Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Dwarka, Rameshwaram, Ayodhya, Mathura, and in Uttarakhand at Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Haridwar. She became a beacon of strength and empowerment at a time when such a vision for women was unimaginable.

Cultural Renaissance Under PM Modi

The CM emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered an era of cultural renaissance. He criticized past governments, which, influenced by a colonial mindset, failed to honor India’s great personalities and systematically deprived youth of their glorious history. Today, India’s long-ignored cultural icons are being recognized and celebrated.

Projects like the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, reconstruction of Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, and the Mahakal Lok are revitalizing India’s sacred heritage.

Women’s Welfare Initiatives

The CM also lauded PM Modi’s unprecedented efforts for women’s empowerment, citing landmark measures like:

• 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies,
• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign for girl child education and safety,
• Ujjwala Yojana to provide clean cooking gas,
• Lakhpati Didi initiative for women’s financial independence,
• And the abolition of Triple Talaq.

Strengthened National Security

He noted India’s robust response to terrorism today compared to earlier times. He recalled the surgical strike after the Uri attack, airstrike post-Pulwama, and recent “Operation Sindoor”, which targeted terrorists after the Pahalgam attack. He added that even Pakistani military infrastructure had been neutralized.

Uttarakhand’s Cultural and Religious Initiatives

CM Dhami reiterated his government’s commitment to reviving religious sites and preserving cultural heritage. Key initiatives include:

• Beautification of Kedarkhand and Manaskhand temple circuits,
• Revival of Yamuna pilgrimage site at Haripur Kalsi,
• Construction of Haridwar-Rishikesh Corridor and the Sharda Corridor.

Welfare of Women in Uttarakhand

For the welfare of women, the state has launched multiple schemes such as:

• 30% reservation for women in government jobs,
• CM Women Empowerment Scheme,
• CM Mahalakshmi Scheme,
• CM Vatsalya Yojana,
• CM Aanchal Amrit Scheme, and Nutrition Campaigns.

These programs have empowered women through job opportunities, self-help groups, startups, and small enterprises.

Corruption-Free Governance

CM Dhami said the government follows a “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption. He stressed that not only petty officials but even high-ranking corrupt “sharks” are being caught. Recently, two IAS and one PCS officer were suspended in the Haridwar land scam.

Preserving Cultural Identity and Demography

The CM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Uttarakhand’s cultural values and demography, citing strict action against land jihad, love jihad, and spitting jihad. Anti-riot and anti-conversion laws have been implemented to safeguard the state.

Dignitaries Present

The event was attended by Vice Chairman of Disaster Management Vinay Kumar Rohila, State Minister Dr. Jaipal Singh Chauhan, Deshraj Karnwal, Om Prakash Jamdagni, Justice Lokpal Singh, MLA Adesh Chauhan, BJP District President Ashutosh Sharma, former cabinet minister Swami Yatishwaranand, former MLA Sanjay Gupta, Pranav Singh Champion, Shivalik Nagar Municipal Chairman Rajiv Sharma, and several senior officials and members of the Dhangar community.

(Issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations)