‘Ahilyabai empowered tribals, promoted progressive agriculture’: PM Modi hails 18th century queen in Bhopal

The PM unveiled a Rs 300 coin and a postal stamp in Ahilyabai's honour to honour her legacy.

In honour of the 300th anniversary of the birth of Ahilyabai Holkar, the famous queen of the Holkar dynasty from the 18th century who is renowned for her progressive leadership and commitment to social reform, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan in Bhopal on Saturday.

“Our government is working on the mantra of Nagrik Devo Bhava, which was the philosophy of Ahilyabai Holkar,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the public gathering in Bhopal during the 300th birth anniversary celebrations of the queen, revered for her welfare-oriented rule and commitment to social reform

Addressing the crowd at Jamboori Maidan, PM Modi praised Ahilyabai's vision, highlighting her backing for agriculture and tribal welfare in particular.

PM Modi said, “Ahilyabai Holkar was the guardian of India's heritage. She protected our temples and pilgrimage sites when they were being attacked.”

“Devi Ahilyabai used to say that the true meaning of governing is to serve the people and improve their life. Today's event carries forward her line of thought,” the Prime Minister said, reinforcing the relevance of her ideals in contemporary governance.

"Lokmata Ahilyabai established a policy for the tribal society to cultivate on undeveloped land. Serving my tribal brothers and sisters under the leadership of a tribal daughter who is currently the President of India is a blessing for me," he said.

"Lokmata Ahilyabai had told us 250–300 years ago to promote cotton and spice farming to increase farmers' income," PM Modi said, highlighting her foresight. "We continue to remind farmers to diversify their crops rather than concentrating solely on sugarcane or paddy," he further noted.

Speaking at the Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan, PM Modi further noted, “If we discuss the marriage age of girls today, some people think that secularism is in danger. They feel that this is against their religion. But even such a long time ago, Ahilyabai thought about the marriage age of girls…”

The Prime Minister virtually inaugurated a slew of infrastructure projects, such as the newly constructed airports at Datia and Satna and the Indore Metro's Super Priority Corridor.

Additionally, he set the groundwork for a number of other state development projects.

The first contemporary rapid transit system in Madhya Pradesh, the six-kilometer Indore Metro corridor, is a part of the Yellow Line and has five stations. Its goal is to offer the cleanest city in India a quick and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

To promote rural development, PM Modi also approved the first installment of Rs 483 crore for 1,271 newly built Atal Gramme Seva Sadans (Panchayat Bhawans).

The PM unveiled a Rs 300 coin and a postal stamp in Ahilyabai's honour to honour her legacy.

Additionally, he presented the National Devi Ahilyabai Award to an artist who has made significant contributions to traditional, folk, and tribal art forms.