(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA) During the Prime Minister’s visit to Bhopal, Dignitaries including Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, and Director General of Police Kailash Makwana extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival at the airport. In a powerful tribute to the life and legacy of one of India’s most revered women rulers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a grand exhibition dedicated to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar during the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan. The event, held to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of the visionary queen, was attended by several dignitaries including Governor Mangubhai Patel and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.

The exhibition served as a rich narrative of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar’s exceptional statesmanship, spiritual devotion, and unwavering commitment to women’s welfare. It spotlighted her pioneering efforts in building and rejuvenating temples and pilgrim sites across India, from Kashi Vishwanath to Somnath and Kedarnath, underscoring her vision of spiritual unity and national heritage.

Books and research papers on her remarkable life further deepened the visitor’s understanding of her enduring influence on Indian society and culture. Her model of governance—centered on justice, equity, and welfare—was reflected in the documented initiatives and artefacts on display.

Accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Prime Minister Modi toured the exhibition with deep interest,particularly pausing at the handloom and handicrafts stall where he engaged in heartfelt interaction with women artisans. These women, many from self-help groups and rural communities, showcased their skill and resilience in sustaining traditional crafts and building self-reliant livelihoods.

A key highlight was PM Modi’s interaction with the “Drone Didis” — women trained in drone technology for agriculture and land surveys. This initiative, symbolic of a transformative shift in women’s roles in tech-enabled sectors, reflects the changing landscape of rural empowerment in Madhya Pradesh.

The Prime Minister was also briefed on various ongoing schemes aimed at uplifting women across the state. These include rural housing under PM Awas Yojana, rural tourism programs creating income opportunities for women, innovations in agriculture, and the notable increase in women’s representation in Panchayats and urban local bodies.

Further, PM Modi reviewed exhibits that illustrated the state’s infrastructure growth, including the rejuvenation of religious sites, rural connectivity projects, and development strategies rooted in sustainability and innovation.

This Sammelan and exhibition not only celebrated a historic icon but also served as a platform to showcase the state’s forward-looking policies on women’s empowerment. Lokmata Ahilyabai’s legacy continues to inspire, and the event stood as a testimony to how her values are being revived and reimagined in contemporary governance.

The celebrations, rich in cultural, historical, and social significance, reaffirmed Madhya Pradesh’s dedication to honoring its heritage while charting a future of inclusive and empowered development.