- Chief Minister Dr. Yadav pays floral tribute to the statue of Bharat Mata and the portrait of Lokmata Ahilyabai
Bhopal, 30 May (H.S.): Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the Ahilya Vahini Women’s Bike Rally, organised to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, symbolises women’s empowerment. The rally also reflects the honour accorded to women and their powerful image in India’s rich cultural heritage. Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar has always been a symbol of good governance. At a time when foreign invaders ruled India from Delhi, she set an extraordinary example of women's empowerment.
Dr. Yadav mentioned that historical figures like Rani Durgavati, Veerangana Lakshmibai, and Rani Avantibai further elevated the status of women in Indian society. Rani Ahilyabai was an ideal daughter-in-law, mother, wife, and a great ruler. She transformed personal sorrow into strength and worked tirelessly for women’s empowerment, women’s education, restoration of religious sites, and public welfare. Her administrative excellence and social commitment proved that strong will and dedication to service are the true foundations of a powerful nation.
The Chief Minister addressed the public at Shaurya Smarak during the launch of the state-level rally, part of the Jan Kalyani Parv celebrations, which are being held across the state on the occasion of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar’s tercentenary.
Dr. Yadav flagged off the Ahilya Vahini Women’s Bike Rally and also a bus carrying women participants under the Maa Tujhe Pranam scheme. Women from the Gwalior-Chambal region will visit various historical, cultural, and tourist sites across the state. The Chief Minister was welcomed with a ceremonial police band upon his arrival, and female police officers presented him with a guard of honour. He offered floral tributes to the statue of Bharat Mata and the portrait of Lokmata Ahilyabai at the Shaurya Smarak. He also honoured the women bikers and symbolically presented a helmet to a female rider to promote road safety. During the program, the Madhya Pradesh Police Orchestra gave a captivating performance of patriotic songs.
On this occasion, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Vishwas Kailash Sarang, Minister of State for OBC and Minority Welfare Krishna Gaur, Member of Parliament V.D. Sharma, Mayor Malti Rai, MLA Bhagwan Das Sabnani, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) J.N. Kansotiya, DGP Kailash Makwana, and Special DG Pragya Richa Srivastava, along with senior public representatives, officers, women police personnel, schoolgirls, and a large number of citizens, were present.
Dr. Yadav announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bhopal on 31st May to attend the Women Empowerment Mega Conclave commemorating the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai. The state government is committed to the vision of “Development through Heritage.” The Prime Minister is devoted to women’s empowerment, and the Madhya Pradesh government is following this tradition through various initiatives.
He highlighted Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy—building places of worship, empowering women in agriculture and handloom industries, and even establishing the Bhil Platoon in tribal areas. He noted that the growing number of women in the state police force will enhance the department’s efficiency and public acceptance.
Khajuraho MP V.D. Sharma said that following the successful Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister is attending the grand Women Empowerment Conclave on 31st May. He invited all mothers and sisters to participate in the event.
DGP Kailash Makwana described Devi Ahilyabai’s life as a timeless inspiration for women. He said her story proves that with inner strength and willpower, any adversity can be overcome. Even in the most difficult times, she laid the foundation of social justice and women’s upliftment. He added that special programs are being organized in all districts throughout the week. The police department is actively working on women's empowerment through initiatives such as self-defence training. He appealed to schoolgirls to stay cautious of social media misinformation and to participate in self-defence training programs.
At the state-level launch of the Ahilya Vahini Bike Rally, 500 boys and girls from the Srijan program participated. This initiative, led by the Madhya Pradesh Police, has set a benchmark in empowerment, self-defence, and child protection. Under community policing, Srijan Camps are being organized for adolescents living in rural and urban slum areas. These camps provide vital education on topics such as good touch-bad touch, prevention of domestic and sexual violence, child rights, self-defence, nutrition, health, and cyber safety.
The Srijan program is not only making children aware of their rights and safety but also enhancing their self-confidence and shaping their future. Organizations like Aarambh, Muskaan, Uday, and Meet from Bhopal participated in the event.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Mayank Chaturvedi
