Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that 2025 marks the 300th birth anniversary of Malwa’s Maharani Punyashloka Ahilya Devi. The state government has planned year-long celebrations to honour her legacy. The Chief Minister stated that the upcoming Cabinet meeting, dedicated to Maharani Lokmata Ahilya Devi, will be held on January 24 in Maheshwar, her historic capital and a religious city. Dr. Yadav shared this information in a message issued on Monday.
Praising the life of Lokmata Ahilya Devi, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav called it a symbol of righteousness, sacrifice, and compassion. He emphasized that she was not only an efficient ruler but also an ideal woman and mother. Her reign, marked by devotion to duty, religion, good governance, charity, and righteousness, continues to inspire and energize us in the pursuit of public welfare through the right path and effective governance. Dr. Yadav said that her remarkable personality is a testament to her lasting influence on society.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh is the land of great rulers like Rani Durgavati, Lokmata Ahilya Devi, Samrat Vikramaditya, and Raja Bhoj, whose legacy of majestic governance continues to inspire us. He emphasized that the name and contributions of female ruler Lokmata Ahilya Devi remain immortal. Dr. Yadav shared that in the upcoming Cabinet meeting which is dedicated to her, several new public welfare schemes will be approved. He urged the people of the state to join in the sacred remembrance of Lokmata Ahilya Devi and announced that he and all the ministers would attend the meeting in Maheshwar, honouring her and her good deeds as a tribute.
About Lokmata Ahilya Devi
Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai is renowned in Indian history as a great ruler, social reformer, and religious leader. Her life embodied the ideals of sacrifice, women's empowerment, justice, and religion. Born on May 31, 1725, in Chaundi village, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, in a simple Maratha Patil family to Mankoji Shinde, she married Khanderao Holkar, the son of Malharrao Holkar, ruler of Malwa, in 1733. After her husband died in 1754, Ahilyabai dedicated her life to serving the state and its people. Following the death of Malharrao Holkar in 1766, she ascended the throne of Indore in 1767. Her reign, lasting until 1795, was marked by justice, efficient governance, and social welfare.
She focused on improving the status of women and fostering unity and harmony in society through education and religion. Under her leadership, her kingdom flourished, becoming a well-organized and prosperous region.
