A grand event to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a revered icon of justice, governance, and dedication to cultural restoration, was held in New Delhi on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Organised by the Punyashlok Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Trishati Samaroh Samiti, the event celebrated the remarkable legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar, who dedicated her life to restoring temples and sacred sites across India. Her legacy of effective administration, devotion, and national pride continues to inspire generations.
The event was graced by distinguished guests and prominent speakers from various fields. Dr Krishna Gopal, Sah Sarkaryavah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was the keynote speaker.
Addressing the program, Dr Krishna Gopal Ji said that, “our country fell into severe crisis starting from the 7th century. By the 11th century, a period of intense terror had begun. No temple, place, or even mothers and sisters were safe. Hardly any nation has faced such continuous assaults on its culture for 700 years. In such times, a young boy named Shivaji Maharaj rose from a small region. With great ingenuity, he established a small empire. The Hindu Padshahi was established in 1674. Shivaji Maharaj passed away in 1680. Yet, within this short span, he instilled tremendous inspiration among the masses. For 26 years after his death, Aurangzeb continued to battle this small empire and ultimately died in Aurangabad, Maharashtra”.
Krishna Gopal ji further said that, “Indore’s Holkar was an integral part of the great Hindavi Swarajya. To manage the large empire, multiple centers were created, one of which was Indore. Like Shivaji Maharaj, Ahilyabai Holkar’s purpose was to restore the lost honour and pride of the nation. There can be hundreds of states, but the nation is one. Bharat is not a state; Bharat is a nation”.
“Ahilyabai Holkar realised that in 700 years, the sense of nationhood had been eroded. The spirit of self-hood had diminished. To re-establish this sense of nationhood, she built temples, ghats, and religious sites at 200 locations from her personal treasury. This was not a state vision; it was a national vision. A state is part of a great nation. Hence, she rebuilt the places of national reverence”.
“In history, there are few rulers about whom everyone speaks only with admiration. Ahilyabai Holkar was one such ruler. The inspiration of Indian women is Jijabai, and Ahilyabai Holkar was the next link in this chain. The sorrow that was in Jijabai’s heart was also in Ahilyabai’s heart. The resolve that was in Shivaji Maharaj’s mind was the same as that in Ahilyabai’s mind”, he said.
While addressing the gathering, the program’s chairperson, former IPS officer Vimla Mehra, emphasised that we must learn from Ahilya Mata and advance our country and society by following the path she showed.
On this occasion, two books on Ahilyabai Holkar were also released. The guests were welcomed with a tulsi plant and the Maheshwari saree established by Lokmata Ahilyabai.
The event also featured a solo song and a monologue performance by student Isha on Ahilyabai Holkar. An exhibition of books and paintings depicting the life of Lokmata Ahilyabai was also displayed at the venue.
Dr Ashok Tyagi, Secretary of the Punyashlok Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Trishati Samaroh Samiti, Delhi, welcomed the dignitaries, while Dr Upasana Arora, the committee’s chairperson, expressed her gratitude. The event was graced by the presence of the committee’s working president, Uday Raje Holkar, the patron of the committee, Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh, author Madhusudan Holkar, program chairperson Mrs Vimla Kumari (Retd. IPS, 1978 batch, former Director General of Prisons, Delhi), and honorable members of the committee.
Over 1,000 distinguished individuals from various walks of society attended this grand event, including more than 300 women.
Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar was a great ruler, known for her sense of justice, adept administration, and efforts towards the renaissance of Sanatan Dharma. She was born on May 31, 1725, in Chondi, Maharashtra. The 300th birth year of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar commenced on May 31, 2024. From a young girl in a modest rural family to an extraordinary ruler, her life journey remains a great source of inspiration. She stood as an unparalleled model of capability, simplicity, dedication to religion, administrative skill, vision, and noble character. Advancing on the path of simplicity, character, religious devotion, and national pride shown by her would be the truest tribute to her.
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