In the glorious chapters of Indian history, there are certain women whose lives continue to serve as a timeless ideal for generations. Among them stands the revered figure of Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar, whose 300th birth anniversary we commemorate today with deep reverence and pride.
On this historic occasion, I pay my heartfelt tribute to her. While reflecting on her exemplary life in today’s social context, I would like to highlight the Chhattisgarh Government’s unwavering commitment to women empowerment.
Ahilyabai Holkar: Embodiment of Sacrifice, Service, and Justice
The life of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar was the one of struggles, yet she never succumbed to adversity. As a young widow, she not only upheld her personal dignity but also administered the entire Malwa state with unparalleled skill and devotion. She was a paragon of efficient governance, spiritual faith, social harmony, and generous philanthropy.
Her contributions to Indian culture and faith are evident in her reconstruction and restoration of sacred sites such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Somnath Temple, Ayodhya, Badrinath, and Dwarka. These acts are testimony to the fact that when women are given the opportunity and authority, they possess the ability to shape both society and the nation.
Chhattisgarh Government’s Determination to Empower Every Woman
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the Government of Chhattisgarh is following the footsteps of Ahilyabai Holkar by placing women empowerment at the top of its agenda.
Mahtari Vandana Yojana– In a pioneering move aimed at promoting the economic empowerment and social dignity of women, the State has launched the Mahtari Vandana Yojana. Under this scheme, eligible married, widowed, divorced, and abandoned women are provided monthly financial assistance of Rs. 1,000. To date, approximately 70 lakh women have been supported through 15 installments, amounting to a total of Rs. 9,788.78 crore.
Schemes to Encourage Women to Become Self-Dependent– The State Government has initiated various self-employment schemes and skill development programmes to strengthen women self-help groups. As a result, lakhs of women are now becoming economically independent and self-sufficient.
To ensure women’s safety and access to justice, several mechanisms such as the Women Helpline 181, One-Stop Centres, Fast Track Courts, and Legal Aid Services have been effectively implemented to ensure that every woman lives a life of safety and dignity, free from fear.
Our Vision: A Society Where Women Are Empowered, Safe, and Respected
To realise the inclusive and just society envisioned by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, we must work diligently across four foundational pillars: education, healthcare, safety, and dignity. Chhattisgarh Government is committed to this mission so that every girl gets the opportunity to realize her dreams and every woman is empowered to emerge as a leader within society.
The birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar is not merely an occasion of remembrance, but a moment of commitment to follow the path she illuminated and to build a strong and harmonious society. I urge all citizens of Chhattisgarh to participate in this collective journey and contribute to the transformation of women’s power into the nation’s strength. Only when women are empowered will the vision of a developed India and a developed Chhattisgarh truly be realised.
