Amit Shah pays homage to Ahilyabai Holkar on her birth anniversary, hails her contribution to society
New Delhi, May 31
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday paid tribute to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar on her birth anniversary, recalling her vision for society and her efforts in restoring India's cultural heritage.
Shah highlighted her extraordinary role in empowering women and renovating several temples, including Somnath and Kashi Vishwanath.
In a post on X, he praised her contribution to public welfare, writing: "Just and righteous ruler devoted to public welfare, Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Ji undertook the task of preserving and restoring India's cultural heritage through the reconstruction of numerous temples, including Somnath and Kashi Vishwanath. By promoting women's education and widow remarriage, she empowered women."
He further added, "On the birth anniversary of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar Ji, salutations to her a hundredfold. The righteous ruler devoted to her subjects undertook the work of preserving and restoring India's cultural heritage by renovating numerous temples, including Somnath and Kashi Vishwanath. By encouraging women's education and widow remarriage, she empowered women."
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also paid tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar, recalling her contribution to Sanatan values and her governance based on dharma, justice, and compassion.
In a post on X, Chouhan wrote, "On this Jayanti of the supreme devotee of Shiva, the eternal symbol of Sanatan consciousness, the embodiment of feminine power, the revered 'Lokmata' Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Ji, I offer millions of salutations at her feet."
He added that the 'Punya Shloka' Ahilyabai ji internalised Sanatan values in her life and governance, leading society on the path of dharma, justice, and compassion. Whether it was the reconstruction of temples and pilgrimage sites or sensitive governance toward her subjects, her contributions are an invaluable heritage of Indian culture.
"The works she undertook for the revival of India's cultural heritage and public welfare will forever remain memorable and inspiring. Repeated pranam at the feet of Lokmata! Chouhan said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described her as a "beacon of justice" while remembering her on her birth anniversary. He wrote on X, "Remembering an extraordinary queen, a beacon of justice, PunyaShlok Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar, on her Birth Anniversary!"
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari also paid homage, calling her a "philosopher queen" and highlighting her qualities as a generous donor, accomplished ruler, devout leader, and efficient administrator. He said her legacy continues to inspire generations.
On X, he said, "Ahilyadevi Holkar of the Holkar dynasty lived as a philosopher queen and a proud ruler. She truly embodied many titles, such as a generous donor, an accomplished, devout, and efficient administrator. Today, on her birth anniversary, we offer our humble salutations to her."
— ANI
Reader Comments
I wish they would also highlight her administrative reforms and how she managed the state during tough times. But yes, her contributions to women's empowerment and temple restoration are definitely inspiring. 😊
Ahilyabai Holkar was ahead of her time! Promoting widow remarriage and women's education in the 18th century is something even modern societies struggle with. We need more leaders like her today. 👏
I appreciate the tribute, but I hope our leaders also focus on actual development today rather than just history. Still, it's important to remember such icons who shaped our nation.
It's heartwarming to see multiple leaders from different parties uniting to honor her legacy. She truly represents the best of Indian culture - strength, compassion, and devotion to public welfare. ❤️
Whenever I hear about Ahilyabai Holkar, I feel proud of our history. She wasn't just a queen but a true 'Lokmata' who put her people first. The temple renovations she did are still standing as proof of her vision. Jai Ho! 🚩
I wish our education system taught more about such strong women rulers from Indian
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.