CM Mohan Yadav stated that the welfare initiatives undertaken by Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai 300 years ago, as well as the benchmarks of good governance she established despite numerous challenges, continue to be an inspiration for all of us today. CM Mohan Yadav was addressing a public gathering on Monday in Maheshwar, Khargone district—the city of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai—during the staging of the play ‘Rashtrasamartha Devi Ahilyabai Ki Punya Gatha, ’ organized by Vishva Manglya Sabha. On this occasion, Dr. Yadav also released a book on the life of Devi Ahilyabai, written by Ayushi Jain.
CM Mohan Yadav highlighted that Devi Ahilyabai not only served the Holkar Empire but also contributed to public welfare across the entire nation. During the Mughal era, efforts were made to destroy Sanatan culture, but Devi Ahilyabai, the daughter of Narmada, took up the mission of protecting it. She played a key role in restoring temples such as Somnath and Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga. She constructed river ghats throughout the country, generously helped the poor, promoted Maheshwari saree weaving to provide employment, encouraged trade, supported farmers, and set numerous milestones in justice and governance. History is filled with inspiring episodes from her life.
CM Mohan Yadav further mentioned that taking inspiration from Ahilyabai’s work, his government celebrated its first Dussehra festival in Maheshwar and even held a Cabinet meeting there. The state’s first armed battalion has been named after Ahilyamata. He also commended Vishva Manglya Sabha for organizing the play on her life in Maheshwar and watched the full performance along with the guests.
RSS General Secretary Shri Dattatreya Ho
sabale noted that on the occasion of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai’s 300th birth anniversary, this play is being staged in Maheshwar. He emphasized that Ahilyabai’s work would inspire the masses toward nation-building. She restored numerous temples, and throughout history, powerful women like Devi Ahilyabai, Rani Lakshmibai, Rani Durgavati, and Rani Chennamma have ruled and led with excellence, serving as a source of pride and inspiration.
The event was also attended by Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur, Madhya Pradesh Minister for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts, and Endowments; Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, Holkar State’s Prince Shri Yashwant Rao Holkar, Vishva Manglya Sabha President Smt. Rekha Khandelwal, National Organization Secretary Dr. Vrushali Joshi, Vishva Manglya Sabha Madhya Pradesh President Smt. Suraj Damor, MP Shri Gyaneshwar Patil, Dr. Sumer Singh Solanki, MLAs Shri Rajkumar Mew, Shri Balkrishna Patidar, and Shri Sachin Birla, along with officials and a large number of citizens.