Bhopal: On the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the unparalleled contributions of the legendary queen while laying emphasis on the ongoing drive for women-led development in India.
The event was marked by reverence and inspiration as PM Modi paid glowing tributes to Devi Ahilyabai, calling her a “guardian of India’s heritage” and “a towering symbol of women’s contribution to nation building.”
“Words fall short when speaking of her great personality,” PM Modi said, recalling her commitment to both spiritual service and social upliftment. He underlined that Ahilyabai’s legacy continues to guide India’s development agenda – especially in the realm of women empowerment.
Historic Development Projects Launched
During the event, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several key infrastructure projects in Madhya Pradesh. These included–
- Inauguration of the Yellow Line (Super Priority Corridor) of Indore Metro
- Launch of Datia and Satna airports to enhance regional air connectivity in the Vindhya region
- Approval of the Indore–Manmad rail project
- Expansion of the Ratlam–Nagda railway route to four lines
- First installment disbursed for the construction of 1,271 Atal Gram Sushasan Bhawans, amounting to over ₹480 crore
“These initiatives are not only enhancing connectivity but creating jobs and transforming lives,” said PM Modi.
मध्य प्रदेश के भोपाल में आज लोकमाता देवी अहिल्याबाई होल्कर के 300वें जयंती समारोह का हिस्सा बनना मेरे लिए परम सौभाग्य की बात है। https://t.co/IHWiqMsese
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 31, 2025
Devi Ahilyabai: A Visionary Monarch Ahead of Her Time
PM Modi drew parallels between the values of the 18th-century queen and contemporary governance. He praised Ahilyabai Holkar’s progressive administration that uplifted farmers, artisans, women, and tribal communities. The Prime Minister emphasized:
- Her work in temple restoration, including Kashi Vishwanath
- Initiatives to improve irrigation and promote sustainable agriculture
- Development of cottage industries, including the globally acclaimed Maheshwari sarees
- Reforms for women like supporting widow remarriage, raising marriage age, and property rights
“She led a state during challenging times, yet wore the crown of thorns with dignity and compassion,” PM Modi remarked.
Women-Led Development as the Axis of Governance
Linking Ahilyabai’s legacy to present-day initiatives, PM Modi reiterated that his government has placed “women-led development at the center of national progress.”
नमो ड्रोन दीदी अभियान से गांव की बहनों का हौसला बढ़ रहा है, उनकी कमाई बढ़ रही है: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/pgtyTNPTlP
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 31, 2025
He cited:
- 4 crore homes built under housing schemes, most registered in women’s names
- Tap water, electricity, LPG, and toilets delivered to crores of women in rural India
- Ayushman Bharat health insurance providing up to ₹5 lakh free treatment
- Jan Dhan Yojana: Over 30 crore women banked
- Mudra Yojana: 75% of beneficiaries are women
- Self-help groups (SHGs): 10 crore women are active participants; over 1.5 crore have become Lakhpati Didis
“Financial independence gives women dignity and decision-making power,” PM Modi stressed.
Namo Drone Didi, Women in Science, and Startup Ecosystem
He spotlighted initiatives such as ‘Namo Drone Didi’, encouraging women in agri-tech innovation and drone operations, boosting rural women’s income and confidence.
He proudly noted that:
- Over 100 women scientists and engineers were part of Chandrayaan-3
- Nearly 45% of Indian startups have at least one woman director
- Women are making strides in STEM, aviation, and entrepreneurship
लोकमाता देवी अहिल्याबाई होलकर… ये नाम सुनते ही मन में श्रद्धा का भाव उमड़ पड़ता है… उनके महान व्यक्तित्व के बारे में बोलने के लिए शब्द कम पड़ जाते हैं: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/kSmsOaODdl
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 31, 2025
Women in Defense and Operation Sindoor
In a particularly stirring segment, PM Modi discussed ‘Operation Sindoor’, hailing it as India’s largest and most successful counter-terror operation, and a powerful symbol of Nari Shakti.
“The world is witnessing the valor of our women soldiers. From the Army to the Navy and Air Force—women are leading from the front,” he stated.
He lauded:
- BSF women leading at frontlines in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Opening of Sainik Schools and NDA for girls
- Increase in NCC girl cadets from 25% (2014) to near 50% now
- Navika Sagar Parikrama, where Indian Navy women circumnavigated the globe
“Whether on land, air, or sea—India’s daughters are defending the nation with courage and pride,” PM Modi said.
Cultural Preservation & Forward Momentum
PM Modi emphasized that just as Ahilyabai had preserved India’s heritage centuries ago, modern India is continuing that path while advancing infrastructure and technology.
“India stands at a pivotal moment – advancing security, infrastructure, and culture together,” he affirmed.
ऑपरेशन सिंदूर हमारी नारीशक्ति के सामर्थ्य का भी प्रतीक बना है: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/DA7kTyBxyb
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 31, 2025
Honoring Ahilyabai: Stamp, Coin, and National Award
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister released:
- A commemorative postage stamp
- A ₹300 coin featuring Ahilyabai Holkar
- The National Devi Ahilyabai Award to honor a woman artist in tribal, folk, and traditional arts
A Tribute and a Call to Action
Concluding his address, PM Modi invoked the legacy of legendary women like Rani Lakshmibai, Rani Durgavati, Rani Kamalapati, Savitribai Phule, and others, calling upon the nation to draw strength from India’s Matrushakti.
“Let Ahilyabai’s 300th birth anniversary inspire us to build a Sashakt Bharat for centuries to come,” PM Modi urged.
Dignitaries Present
Governor of Madhya Pradesh Shri Mangubhai C. Patel, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Yadav, along with senior ministers and a large audience of women from across the state, attended the grand celebration.
