The Ahilyabai Holkar Tricentenary celebrations were inaugurated in Kochi on December 15, 2024, by Smriti Irani, former Union Minister and senior BJP leader. During her inaugural speech, Smriti Irani stated that the legend of Ahilyabai Holkar’s valor, courage, and strength, which had been hushed up by politically motivated and selfish historians, is being revived through the tricentenary celebrations.
She reminded the audience that Kerala is a part of the country where figures like Tipu Sultan have been celebrated. However, no deliberate efforts have been made to learn about and share the legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar. She added that certain individuals had made conscious efforts to erase the contributions of veterans who dedicated their lives to Sanatana Dharma. The administrative skills and achievements of noble personalities like Ahilyabai Holkar were deliberately excluded from history.
Honoured to be part of the Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Tricentenary Celebrations in Ernakulam yesterday .
A visionary of holistic development, Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar’s #300YearsOfLegacy embodies the true essence of Naari Shakti. Her administrative brilliance and commitment to… pic.twitter.com/2tjoKqPvEo
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) December 16, 2024
Smriti Irani emphasized that Ahilyabai Holkar revived the cultural centers that were demolished by invaders. She renovated more than 1,100 temples across the country, including Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, and Ujjain. Ahilyabai Holkar is a role model for rulers, exemplifying social welfare, equal justice, and environmental protection. She was referred to as the “queen of all flora and fauna” in the country. Additionally, she formed an exemplary military force and led it herself. Ahilyabai Holkar’s life serves as an inspiration for generations to come.
Dr. Vandana Balakrishnan, District President of the Mahila Samanwaya Vedi (a common platform for the women’s wings of various Hindu organizations), chaired the event. Other speakers included Dr. K. Chitratara, a renowned oncology surgeon; Brahmacharini Devaki Chaitanya of the Chinmaya Mission; Celebration Committee Chairman S.J.R. Kumar; Rashtra Sevika Samiti Pranth Karyavahika Adv. K.L. Sreekala; RSS Dakshin Kerala Pranth Boudhik Pramukh P. Unnikrishnan; and leaders from the VHP, Bharatiya Vichar Kendra, and various Sangh-inspired organizations.
A colorful Shobhayatra preceded the public meeting. Thousands participated in the Shobhayatra, which began at Kochi Marine Drive and culminated at Rajendra Maidan on the banks of the Ernakulam Backwaters. Little girls dressed as Ahilyabai Holkar added elegance to the Shobhayatra.
