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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 31st May addressed the Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, commemorating the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The event not only celebrated the remarkable legacy of Devi Ahilyabai but also emphasized the government’s commitment to women-led development across India. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Bhopal.
The Prime Minister began by paying homage to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, describing her as a paragon of wisdom, leadership, and devotion. He noted that her governance model, rooted in public welfare, continues to serve as a guiding light. Mata Ahilyabai is a symbol of invaluable contribution of our women power in nation building,he said. He praised her for steering the state of Malwa during challenging times and for her monumental contributions to social reform, economic upliftment, and heritage preservation. Her efforts in temple restoration, especially the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and promotion of the Maheshwari saree industry were highlighted as symbols of her visionary leadership.
PM Shri Modi reflected on Devi Ahilyabai’s progressive stance on issues like widow remarriage, women’s property rights, and raising the minimum age of marriage for girls—initiatives considered revolutionary in her era. She also formed women’s safety groups and a women’s battalion in the Malwa army, reinforcing her role as a pioneer in gender empowerment and security.
Drawing a parallel with contemporary India, Shri Modi asserted that his government has placed women at the center of national development. He pointed out that over four crore homes under government schemes are registered in women’s names, empowering them as homeowners and decision-makers. Infrastructure improvements like household tap water, LPG connections, toilets, and electricity have dramatically improved the quality of life for women, especially in rural areas.
The Prime Minister also spotlighted financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. He mentioned initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, where millions of women now hold bank accounts, and Mudra Yojana, with over 75% women beneficiaries. He spoke about the rise of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), noting that over 10 crore women are part of SHGs, and that 1.5 crore women have already become ‘Lakhpati Didis’. The government’s support for women as ‘Bank Sakhis’ and ‘Bima Sakhis’ was emphasized as part of broader financial empowerment strategies.
Highlighting women’s increasing role in defense, the Prime Minister commended the successful participation of women in the armed forces and their presence in forward military positions. He underscored landmark achievements like the inclusion of girls in Sainik Schools, women cadets graduating from the NDA, and female officers commanding fighter jets and naval vessels.
Concluding his address, the PM expressed confidence that the legacy of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, along with the contributions of India’s great women leaders, would inspire future generations. He called upon citizens to work towards a “Sashakt Bharat” (Empowered India), where the strength of women continues to shape the destiny of the nation. The event was also attended by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, and the Chief Minister Shri Mohan Yadav, among other dignitaries.