Suresh Soni, Akhil Bharataiya Karyakarini Sadasya of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), emphasised that the vision of a welfare state, as established by Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, continues to hold significant relevance today. He stated that we can draw inspiration from her life, as she dedicated her entire existence to protecting Sanatan culture and promoting social welfare. During her reign, Ahilyabai Holkar revived the core values that had weakened under foreign invasions. Her journey was from ‘Rajshree to Rajarshi.’
Soni expressed these thoughts as the chief guest during the 300th birth anniversary celebration of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, held on Sunday at the MP Auditorium, Motilal Nehru Institute of Technology, Teliarganj. He remarked that the ideals of Lokmata still inspire the work of the RSS. He also pointed out a notable coincidence: Ahilyabai Holkar was born in 1725, and exactly 200 years later, in 1925, the RSS was founded.
He further highlighted that the continuous flow of Indian culture is due to the efforts of great personalities who revived it when needed. In Indian society, men and women complement each other, as reflected in our symbols and traditions.
Captain Meera Siddharth Dave, a distinguished guest, noted that Lokmata Ahilyabai, like the great scholars Gargi and Maitreyi, was a complete leader. She expertly managed both religion and the state and ensured that during her reign, women were educated in both scriptures and weaponry.
Special guest Uday Raje Holkar, a representative of the Holkar dynasty, expressed his appreciation for the RSS’s commitment to spreading the legacy of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar among the masses. He lauded her contributions, such as restoring temples from Badrikashram to Kashi and Dwarka. Her foresight was evident in constructing the sundial in her capital and establishing a calendar for the Holkar kingdom.
Dr Kirtika Agrawal, the convener of the event, remarked that Lokmata revived our core values through her devotion and social service, which remains a source of pride for us today.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of lamps, accompanied by the sound of conch shells. The program was anchored by Shalu Keservani, while the girls from Narayan Ashram presented a Lavani dance. A theatrical performance portrayed the life struggles of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar.
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