Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that the Madhya Pradesh Government is celebrating the 300th Birth Anniversary-Year of Punyashloka Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar with great fervour. As a tribute to her legacy of good governance, self-reliance, and women’s welfare, the State Cabinet will hold a historic meeting on May 20 at the Rajwada Palace in Indore. This marks the first time a cabinet meeting will be convened at such a significant heritage site.
Dr. Yadav said in a statement to the media on Sunday that holding the cabinet meeting at Rajwada will be a symbolic homage to the glorious life and contributions of Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar. He recalled that the Rajwada Palace was initiated by Shreemant Malhar Rao Holkar and completed by Lokmata Ahilya Bai Holkar—the very site now set to host this momentous gathering.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the meeting will include several important decisions in the interest of the people of the state.
Dr. Yadav also highlighted that the occasion is further enriched by a rare convergence of dates: Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar’s birth anniversary, her wedding anniversary (May 20), and the death anniversary of Shreemant Malhar Rao Holkar all fall around the same time, making the event even more meaningful.
Cultural Celebrations from May 20 to 31
Dr. Yadav informed that a series of social and cultural events will be organised across Madhya Pradesh from May 20 to May 31. On May 19, a special stage production will take place in Indore, presenting key aspects of Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar’s life through a short dramatic performance by skilled artists from Nagpur, Maharashtra.
He further announced that a major event will also be held in Bhopal on May 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary on a grand scale.
Dr. Yadav emphasised that Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar was not only a beacon of good governance and women’s empowerment but also a visionary who introduced widow remarriage and implemented numerous public welfare initiatives that reshaped society. He urged citizens to embrace her ideals, honour the legacy of great personalities, and actively contribute to the development of the state and nation.
