Bhopal | May 31, 2025 — The heart of India resonated with cultural pride and a renewed spirit of women empowerment today as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, to participate in the 300th birth anniversary celebrations of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The event, held at the Jamboree Ground, saw the attendance of over 2 lakh women, making it one of the largest women-centric gatherings in recent memory.
This grand Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan (Women Empowerment Conference) served not only as a tribute to the legendary queen but also as a platform to announce and inaugurate a range of transformative development projects across Madhya Pradesh.
A Day to Remember: Honoring a Legendary Woman Leader
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, one of the most respected female rulers in Indian history, is remembered for her wisdom, compassion, and administrative excellence. PM Modi began the event by paying homage to her legacy and speaking about her contributions to governance, temple construction, riverfront development, and social reform.
To honor her 300th birth anniversary, the Prime Minister released a special postage stamp and an exclusive Rs 300 commemorative coin weighing 35 grams, reportedly the first of its kind in the world. These symbols of recognition reflect the country’s gratitude and reverence for Ahilyabai’s unmatched contributions.
Boosting Infrastructure: A Flurry of Inaugurations and Foundation Stones
A highlight of PM Modi’s visit was the virtual inauguration of several high-impact infrastructure projects aimed at reshaping Madhya Pradesh’s urban and rural landscape:
- Indore Metro: The Prime Minister launched the first 6-km stretch of the Indore Metro Rail, part of a massive Rs 7,500 crore project covering 31.3 km. This marks a major milestone in urban transport, enhancing mobility in one of India’s fastest-growing cities.
- Satna and Datia Airports: Two key regional airports were virtually inaugurated, expected to significantly improve air connectivity and drive economic growth in central India.
- Kshipra Riverfront Development: Modi laid the foundation stone for a 30 km stretch of ghats along the Kshipra River in Ujjain, a Rs 778.91 crore project aimed at better facilities for pilgrims during Simhastha 2028, one of the country’s largest religious gatherings.
- Water Resource Projects: New irrigation and water conservation initiatives were announced under projects worth Rs 863.69 crore, aiming to enhance agricultural sustainability and water management in the region.
Strengthening the Roots: Empowering Rural India
Taking his focus to the grassroots, PM Modi also initiated funding for 1,271 Atal Gram Seva Sadans (panchayat bhavans), part of a Rs 483 crore scheme designed to bolster rural governance and administrative efficiency.
These modern service centers are set to become the nerve centers of rural administration, facilitating smoother implementation of welfare schemes, local development, and grievance redressal in villages.
Celebrating Women Empowerment: The Core of the Event
At the heart of the event was the celebration of women empowerment, deeply inspired by Ahilyabai Holkar’s own legacy as a powerful, reformist ruler who championed education, justice, and welfare.
In line with this theme, PM Modi conferred the National Devi Ahilyabai Award to a tribal or folk woman artist, recognizing her contributions to art, culture, and community development. The award is a step towards uplifting indigenous voices and acknowledging the creativity and resilience of India’s rural women.
The cultural department’s exhibition at the venue showcased Ahilyabai Holkar’s visionary governance, her dedication to temple restoration across India, and her pioneering efforts in social justice and community welfare. It offered visitors a vivid look into the values that continue to shape modern India.
A Vision for a Stronger, Self-Reliant India
Addressing the massive crowd at the Jamboree Ground, PM Modi emphasized that the ideals of Ahilyabai Holkar — compassion, courage, and inclusivity — are needed more than ever in today’s India. He reiterated his government's commitment to creating opportunities for women, youth, and rural citizens, and ensuring development reaches the last mile.
“This is not just a celebration of history, but a commitment to our future. When we empower women, we empower society. When we invest in infrastructure, we invest in India’s growth,” the Prime Minister said during his address.
In Conclusion
PM Modi’s visit to Bhopal was more than a ceremonial tribute — it was a multidimensional initiative encompassing heritage, empowerment, and progress. With large-scale infrastructure projects, grassroots development plans, and recognition for women’s contributions, the event reflected a harmonious blend of India’s glorious past and promising future.
As the sun set on Bhopal, the spirit of Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy lived on — in every woman inspired, in every village empowered, and in every initiative launched today.
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