Lucknow: The 301st birth anniversary of Veerangana Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar was observed with simplicity and reverence at the Samajwadi Party state headquarters in Lucknow on Tuesday. Senior party leaders paid floral tributes to the portrait of the revered queen and remembered her contributions to good governance, social welfare, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment.
Former Cabinet Minister Rajendra Chaudhary and Samajwadi Party State President Shyam Lal Pal led the tribute ceremony by garlanding the portrait of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar and offering their respects.
On the occasion, Samajwadi Party National President and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav paid homage to Ahilyabai Holkar and described her as one of the most remarkable rulers in Indian history. In his message, he said that her legacy of efficient administration, public welfare, restoration of religious sites, and commitment to women’s empowerment continues to inspire generations.
Akhilesh Yadav noted that Ahilyabai Holkar, the renowned queen of the Malwa region of the Maratha Empire, earned the title of “Lokmata” due to her dedication to the welfare of her people. He said her sense of justice, compassionate governance, and people-centric policies established an enduring model of administration.
He further highlighted that Ahilyabai Holkar was not only known for her exemplary governance but also for promoting education, culture, and religious heritage. During her reign, she played a pivotal role in the reconstruction and renovation of several prominent temples and pilgrimage sites across the country. Among her notable contributions were the rebuilding of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the development of Manikarnika Ghat, and the construction of the Vishnu Temple. He also recalled her efforts in restoring more than 100 temples and religious sites from Kedarnath Temple in the north to Ramanathaswamy Temple in the south.
Party leaders present at the event praised Ahilyabai Holkar’s enduring legacy and described her as a symbol of courage, devotion, social justice, and public service. They emphasized that her life and achievements continue to serve as a guiding force for those committed to public welfare and inclusive development.
The programme was attended by several senior party leaders and office-bearers, including former MP Arvind Kumar Singh, Samajwadi Shikshak Sabha National President Prof. B. Pandey, Adhivakta Sabha National President Krishna Kanhaiya Pal, former MLA Ambrish Pushkar, Samajwadi Party Vice President C.L. Verma, District President Jai Singh Jayant, and numerous other party functionaries, social workers, educators, and supporters.
The gathering concluded with participants reaffirming the ideals of social justice, public welfare, and inclusive governance that Ahilyabai Holkar exemplified during her historic reign. Her contributions to nation-building, cultural preservation, and humanitarian service were remembered as an enduring chapter in India’s rich historical legacy.
