Grand Symposium Held to Mark 300th Birth Anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar
Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya, Kundan Parihar, and Ganga Bisht Among Dignitaries Present
Almora,
A grand symposium was organized at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Almora to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, the great queen of the Maratha Empire. The event began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya (chief guest), Kundan Parihar, Minister of State Ganga Bisht, District President Mahesh Nayal, State Vice President Kailash Sharma, Municipal Mayor Ajay Verma, District General Secretary Dharmendra Bisht, and District President of the BJP Mahila Morcha Leela Bora.
District President Mahesh Nayal welcomed the guests and stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the country is striving to reconnect today’s youth with the glorious heritage and forgotten heroes of India. He said the Modi government draws inspiration from Ahilyabai Holkar’s life in promoting public welfare.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Rekha Arya described Ahilyabai Holkar as a respected and just ruler of the Maratha Empire, who governed the Malwa and Nimar regions for nearly 30 years. She emphasized Ahilyabai’s contributions to society, including the construction of temples, ghats, wells, and dharamshalas, and her active participation in warfare. Ahilyabai was especially committed to uplifting women and the poor.
BJP State Executive Member Kundan Parihar noted the parallels between Ahilyabai Holkar’s governance and the current Modi government. He highlighted her reforms for widows, the creation of a women’s army, and temple restoration—comparing them with the Modi administration’s focus on women empowerment, welfare of the underprivileged, and cultural revival.
Minister of State Ganga Bisht provided a historical perspective, noting that Ahilyabai Holkar was born on May 31, 1725, in Chondi village, Maharashtra, into a farmer’s family. Known for her wisdom, compassion, and courage from an early age, she assumed power after the deaths of her husband and son, and was revered as “Lokmata” (Mother of the People).
The event was anchored by organizer Anand Dangwal. The symposium witnessed the presence of hundreds of BJP workers, office bearers, and citizens, including Mayor Ajay Verma, former district president Lalit Latwal, Girish Kholiya, Vineet Bisht, Arvind Bisht, Bittu Karnatak, Sikandar Pawar, and many others from the BJP Mahila Morcha, municipal council, and party mandals.
