Kochi: The 300th birth anniversary celebrations of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar began with grandeur in Ernakulam, witnessed by thousands. Former Union Minister Smriti Irani, inaugurating the event, said that the legend of courage overshadowed by self-serving political historians is being reborn through these celebrations.
Irani stated that deliberate attempts were made to erase the contributions of individuals who dedicated their lives to Sanatana Dharma from historical records. The contributions and governance acumen of Indian heroines like Ahilyabai were hidden from future generations, she said.
“This is a land that celebrated Tipu Sultan, but no efforts were made to recognize or promote Ahilyabai Holkar. Ahilyabai rebuilt centers of culture that were destroyed by invaders. She renovated more than 1,100 temples across the nation, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kedarnath, and Ujjain,” Irani said.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar is a model of ideal governance. She excelled in areas like public welfare, equal justice, and environmental conservation. Declaring herself as the queen of all living beings in her kingdom, she established and led an exemplary army. Her heroic life serves as an inspiration for future generations, she added.
The event was presided over by Mahila Samanvaya Vedhi District President Vandana Balakrishnan.
Speakers included Dr. Chitrathara K., Dr. Ashalatha, Brahmacharini Devaki Chaitanya from Chinmaya Mission, Celebration Committee President S.J.R. Kumar, Rashtra Sevika Samiti State Secretary Adv. Sreekala K.L., Executive Member G. Maheshwari, Bharatiya Vichara Kendra State Committee Member K.V. Rajasekharan, VHP State Vice-President Prasanna Bahuleyan, and RSS South Kerala Regional Intellectual Head P. Unnikrishnan.
Ahead of the celebrations, a grand procession started from Marine Drive, featuring thousands of participants, including women and children. Girls dressed as Ahilyabai Holkar added charm to the event.
