Rani Ahilyabai Holkar’s Reign Was a Golden Era of Public Welfare, Nation-Building, and Justice” – Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur, 29 May
On the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, a seminar was organized at the Chief Minister’s residence in Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai presided over the event. Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development and Labour, Government of Madhya Pradesh, addressed the seminar as the chief speaker.
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Tokhan Sahu, Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, BJP State President Shri Kiran Dev, and former Leader of the Opposition Shri Narayan Chandel, who also served as the event coordinator, were present. A large number of intellectuals, social workers, doctors, engineers, architects, lawyers, and litterateurs also attended.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai remembered Rani Ahilyabai Holkar’s contributions, calling her a symbol of India’s cultural unity and good governance. He described her nearly 30-year reign as a golden era of public welfare, nation-building, and justice. Despite being the queen of Indore, he noted, Rani Ahilyabai did not confine herself to a single region but commissioned the construction of temples and dharamshalas across India. She realized the idea of Ram Rajya and led the Holkar dynasty for three decades.
The Chief Minister highlighted her historic role in rebuilding the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in line with the wishes of Peshwa Madhavrao, thus honoring the sentiments of millions of devotees. He remarked that Indore’s leadership in cleanliness today draws inspiration from the good governance model set by the queen. Known for her sense of justice, Rani Ahilyabai even did not hesitate to punish members of her own family in the interest of fairness.
Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, addressing the seminar, said Rani Ahilyabai Holkar upheld the authority of religion and justice during her 28-year reign (1767–1795), performing many exemplary acts despite personal hardships. She set standards in the judicious use of public funds, never spending royal resources for personal benefit. After the death of her husband, she chose to live in a hut rather than the palace. In pursuit of justice, she once sentenced her own son to death. She also allowed widows the right to adopt sons, a bold and progressive move. Owing to her welfare-oriented governance, she was revered as Lokmata by her people.
Shri Kiran Dev and former Deputy Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Assembly Shri Narayan Chandel also spoke, highlighting her governance, sense of justice, and commitment to public welfare. They emphasized that Rani Ahilyabai left an indelible mark on Indian history and that her values continue to inspire efforts in social harmony and public service. The seminar served as a platform to reflect on her legacy and to motivate the younger generation to contribute to nation-building.
During the program, members of the Dhankar community presented a portrait of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Also present were co-coordinator Chhagan Mundra, MLAs Shankar Agrawal, Sunil Soni, Motilal Sahu, Purandar Mishra, Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission Chairman Vishwavijay Singh Tomar, Raipur Mayor Meenal Choubey, former Minister Premprakash Pandey, and numerous officials from corporations, commissions, and youth organizations.