Release of the Coffee Table Book 'Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar: An Eternal Flame'

 Priceless Legacy of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar

- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Release of the Coffee Table Book 'Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar: An Eternal Flame'

 

Mumbai, May 28 : Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar governed through her noble and welfare-oriented actions. She was responsible for the reconstruction of temples and construction of ghats across the country, and the Maharashtra government is committed to preserving the wells and tanks built by her, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, emphasizing that her contributions are priceless.

He was speaking at the release of the coffee table book titled "Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar: An Eternal Flame", created by the Social Studies Foundation, on the occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyadevi Holkar.

Present at the event were Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, Maharashtra Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology Advocate Ashish Shelar, former Bombay High Court Judge and President of MAT Justice Mridula Bhatkar, poet Prasoon Joshi, and editors of the coffee table book Ambrish Mishra, Satyaprakash Mishra, and Avinash Mule, among other dignitaries.

State Government Initiatives for Ahilyadevi Holkar

Chief Minister Fadnavis noted that to commemorate Ahilyadevi Holkar’s 300th birth anniversary, a cabinet meeting was held in her birthplace, Chondi. During this session, restoration plans for major Jyotirlingas and pilgrimage sites like Pandharpur were approved. Additionally, Ahmednagar district was renamed as ‘Ahilyanagar’ in her honor. A decision was also made to produce a high-quality commercial film on her life, to ensure that her courage and inspiring deeds reach future generations.

Book as a Cultural Legacy

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of making information about Ahilyadevi Holkar accessible to the common people. While many may know fragments of her life, the book ‘Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar: An Eternal Flame’ presents a multifaceted portrayal of her legacy. “This is not just a book—it is a cultural treasure,” he added.

Union Minister Annapurna Devi’s Remarks

Union Minister Annapurna Devi praised Ahilyadevi Holkar’s historic contributions to the redevelopment of sacred cities like Kashi, Ayodhya, and Somnath. She said that the book offers a deep insight into her leadership qualities, and that her legacy continues to inspire progress and empowerment. Known in history as a “Progressive Queen,” Ahilyadevi’s life as depicted in this book is a powerful reflection of her enduring leadership, she said.

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