BJP marks 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilyabai with grand tribute in Ranchi

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

Ranchi, May 30: The BJP Mahanagar unit on Thursday organized a grand commemorative event at Carnival Banquet Hall in Ranchi to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar. The program featured tributes to the legendary queen’s legacy of good governance, social reform, and cultural revival.

The event was chaired by Metropolitan BJP President Varun Sahu, who also delivered the vote of thanks.

Shivprakash: Ahilyabai Holkar Was an Embodiment of Devotion and Justice

Delivering an online address, BJP’s National Joint General Secretary Shivprakash described Ahilyabai Holkar as a ruler who embodied both strength and spiritual devotion. “She never considered herself a queen but served as a humble devotee of Lord Shiva while handling administrative responsibilities,” he said.

He emphasized that Ahilyabai was filled with a deep sense of equality and compassion, which consistently reflected in her decisions. “She gave precedence to public welfare over personal interests. Her rule promoted welfare schemes for the poor, farmers, women, and tribal communities,” he added.

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Shivprakash noted that Ahilyabai’s administration was an early model of good governance. “Even 300 years ago, she established a system of justice so impartial that she didn’t hesitate to punish her own son when necessary. This act stands as a timeless example of administrative integrity,” he said.

He elaborated on her development-oriented policies: “She initiated welfare programs for farmers, transformed barren lands into cultivable fields, distributed land titles to the landless, ensured irrigation through ponds and wells, and promoted animal husbandry.”

He also highlighted her concern for tribal welfare, stating, “Ahilyabai set up a separate fund from state revenues to support the development of Bhil and other tribal communities.”

Pioneer of Women’s Rights and Cultural Revival

Speaking about her contributions to women’s empowerment, Shivprakash said, “She was a visionary far ahead of her time. From promoting widow remarriage and pension for widows of soldiers to granting property rights to adopted sons and women, her reforms laid the foundation for women’s rights in India. She also opposed regressive practices like Sati.”

He credited Ahilyabai with conceptualizing the idea of self-help groups and establishing the Maheshwari textile industry in her state—an initiative that continues to thrive to this day.

Shivprakash praised her egalitarian approach, noting, “She would often sit and eat with her employees, reflecting her genuine humility and inclusive governance. She was as concerned about cultural preservation as she was about development.”

He added, “Ahilyabai worked tirelessly to restore India’s Sanatan tradition, which invaders had attempted to destroy. She rebuilt temples from the Himalayas to Rameswaram, funding the projects from her personal resources, not the royal treasury.”

He concluded by saying, “For Ahilyabai Holkar, serving the people was equivalent to serving the divine. In her 28 years of rule, she set a shining example by balancing development with cultural preservation.”

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Babulal Marandi, Arjun Munda, Sanjay Seth Pay Tribute

Leader of Opposition and BJP State President Babulal Marandi said, “India has always revered women’s power. While other nations were just beginning to discuss women’s rights, Indian women like Ahilyabai were already leading with wisdom and strength.”

Union Minister Arjun Munda said India is reawakening to its cultural roots under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “Ahilyabai’s 300th birth anniversary is a reminder of India’s proud history of inclusive and visionary leadership,” he added.

Union Minister Sanjay Seth said, “India’s success in operations like Sindoor reflects the growing contribution of women in national defense and development.”

BJP Working President Dr. Ravindra Kumar Ray emphasized the significance of restoring India’s national character. “Ahilyabai’s rule proves that women can lead with integrity and uphold cultural heritage. She used her personal funds—not the royal treasury—to restore temples across India, from the Himalayas to Rameswaram,” he said.

Ray also criticized past governments for weakening women’s rights, referencing the Shah Bano case. He praised the Modi government for empowering women through legislative reforms.

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Program Attended by Top BJP Leaders and Hundreds of Workers

BJP State Vice President and program coordinator Vikas Preetam conducted the proceedings. Dignitaries on the dais were welcomed by Archana Singh, Prakash Sahu, Om Prakash, Payal Soni, Lovely Gupta, Jitendra Verma, Anita Verma, and others.

Several BJP leaders including MLAs C.P. Singh, Naveen Jaiswal, and Arti Singh also addressed the gathering.

Prominent leaders such as Organization General Secretary Karmveer Singh, State Vice Presidents Rakesh Prasad and Balamukund Sahay, Ministers Seema Paswan, Hemant Das, and Shivpujan Pathak, along with a long list of office bearers and workers, were present.

The event witnessed the participation of thousands of BJP workers and members of the general public, reflecting the wide reverence for Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy across all sections of society.