Ahilyabai Holkar’s 300th Birth anniversary is commencing on 31st May 2024. Her life journey from a village girl of an ordinary background to an extraordinary ruler is a great source of inspiration even today. She was a unique example for duty, simplicity, commitment towards Dharma, administrative acumen, farsightedness, and magnificent chastity.
She administered as the representative of Bhagwan Shankar with the royal seal of “Shankar Ajnevarun” (As per the orders of Shankar). Her governance was ideal with public welfare-oriented programs protecting the interests of landless farmers, tribal groups like Bhils, and widows. As an efficient ruler, Devi Ahilyabai was committed to social transformation, agricultural development, water management, environmental protection, people’s welfare and education and was also devoted to justice. The foundation of her administration had a vision based on harmony that provided honour, security and development to all sections of the society.
She paid special attention not only to her state, she made arrangements for the worship and financial management of the temples of the whole country. She renovated temples which were desecrated by the invaders from Badrinath to Rameshwaram and Dwarika to Puri. The pilgrimages which continued from ancient times and disrupted during invasions got a new breath of life due to her efforts. She got the title “Punya Shlok” because of these great efforts. The development of these sacred places which are spread across Bharat is a reflection of her national vision.
During the auspicious occasion of Punya Shlok Devi Ahilyabai’s 300th Year of Birth, all swayamsevaks and all the members of society should wholeheartedly participate in the programs organized in connection with it. The real tribute to her is to be at the forefront in the path of simplicity, character, religiosity, and national self-esteem shown by her.