New Delhi, 13 August (H.S.): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and several other leaders on Thursday paid tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar on her death anniversary. Birla also remembered former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee and paid homage to him on his death anniversary.

In a post on X, Birla paid tribute to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, highlighting her contributions to public welfare and good governance. He said that during her reign, Ahilyabai gave priority to the interests of farmers, artisans, traders and ordinary citizens while promoting trade, agriculture and the local economy in the Malwa region.

Birla described her administration as an inspiring example of public welfare, good governance and dedicated service to the people. He said that alongside protecting religion and culture, Ahilyabai made significant contributions to the construction and restoration of temples, ghats, wells, stepwells and rest houses at several prominent pilgrimage centres across the country.

He said the impact of her efforts continues to be reflected in India’s rich cultural heritage. Referring to her statue installed in the Parliament Library building complex, Birla said it represents not only the memory of a great historical figure but also India’s rich cultural traditions, commitment to public welfare and ideals of public service.

Birla also remembered Somnath Chatterjee, saying that his public life would always be remembered for his deep understanding of legislative affairs, commitment to parliamentary traditions and sustained efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.

Amit Shah said Ahilyabai Holkar made an unparalleled contribution to the restoration and reconstruction of temples, development of pilgrimage centres, and preservation and revival of India’s cultural heritage.

Shah said that by promoting women’s education and widow remarriage, Ahilyabai empowered women and established an enduring model of public welfare, justice and good governance. He described her life as an inspiring example of dedication to religion, culture, public service and national interest.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar, saying that her life remains an inspiring example of dedication to religion, culture, public service and the national interest.

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan described Ahilyabai Holkar as an enduring symbol of Sanatan consciousness, an embodiment of women’s power and a devoted follower of Lord Shiva.

Chouhan said the Lokmata incorporated Sanatan values into both her personal life and system of governance and guided society towards the principles of religion, justice and compassion. He said the exemplary administrative system established by her continues to provide inspiration for the journey towards building an “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.

He added that her contributions to the revival of India’s cultural heritage and public welfare would always be remembered and remain a source of inspiration.

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh described Ahilyabai Holkar as an enduring embodiment of sacrifice, devotion and good governance. He said she governed with the ideals of religion, justice and compassion and left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire people across the world.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar