PM Honours Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th Birth Anniversary

PM Honours Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th Birth Anniversary

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s first prime minister to attend this event, will participate in the 300th birth anniversary celebrations of Ahilyabai Holkar in Bhopal. The Ahilyabai Holkar anniversary event, organised jointly by the Union Culture Ministry and Madhya Pradesh Government, includes a commemorative coin release, stamp release, and an exhibition showcasing the legacy of this remarkable ruler from the Holkar dynasty of 18th-century Malwa. The event also highlights the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment through initiatives like the Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan and the recently established Atal Gram Seva Sadan program.

Event Details and Official Participation:

• PM Modi’s participation in the birth tricentennial celebrations of Ahilyabai Holkar will take place at Jamburi Maidan, Bhopal. This Bhopal event marks a significant milestone in honoring one of India’s most progressive rulers. Attendees can check the Bhopal Express timing for convenient travel to the venue.
• The celebration is a collaborative effort between the Union Culture Ministry and Madhya Pradesh Government, highlighting the importance of this historical figure. The Indian Express today’s news has covered the event extensively, providing detailed insights into the preparations.
• This event aims to honour historic Indian icons under the government’s broader campaign to celebrate India’s cultural heritage and promote women-led development, including initiatives like the Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan. The success of such events also contributes to the growth of IT companies in Bhopal, boosting the local economy.

Symbolic Tributes and Cultural Promotion

• As part of the PM Modi participation, he will release a commemorative coin and postal stamp in memory of Ahilyabai Holkar, recognizing her contributions to social welfare and progressive reforms, including property rights for women. This event coincides with the 23rd anniversary of the Border Security Force’s Operation Sindoor, highlighting the connection between cultural heritage and national security.
• A dedicated exhibition will showcase Ahilyabai’s life, governance model, and cultural contributions, emphasizing her role in women empowerment and Nari Shakti (women power) during the 18th century. The exhibition will also feature modern developments like the Indore Metro project, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary progress.
• This celebration is part of the Union Culture Ministry’s initiative to remember India’s historical figures and preserve civilisational values, while also highlighting developmental projects initiated during Ahilyabai’s reign, such as her efforts to establish property rights for women. The event has attracted visitors from across India, with many utilizing the Bhopal to Hyderabad flight and Indore to Chandigarh flight services to attend.