As Madhya Pradesh celebrates the tercentenary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai and women's empowerment, a grand convention is being organised in the state capital, Bhopal. The entire responsibility for the event is being handled by women (Matri Shakti). The Hon Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, is coming to attend this festival of women's empowerment and self-reliance. On behalf of the 85 million people of Madhya Pradesh, I extend a heartfelt welcome.
It is our good fortune that the year-long celebration of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's birth anniversary is being inaugurated today from the soil of Madhya Pradesh. For this, I express my sincere gratitude to the Hon Prime Minister.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar presented an ideal of good governance, a harmonious and self-reliant society, and a safe, prosperous state. She renovated over 130 temples, built river ghats and dharamshalas, provided free meal services, and institutionalised worship practices. Her reign was not only a golden era but a cultural renaissance that reawakened national pride and unity.
She also carried out historic work for women's self-reliance. She formed a women's military unit, gave women property rights, allowed widow remarriage and adoption, and discouraged dowry. She established the Maheshwari sari industry in Maheshwar for soldiers' widows, setting a global example of women's empowerment. Her state exemplified orderliness, prosperity, and inclusive development. Maheshwar became a centre of craft, culture, education, literature, and trade.
The Holkar state under her saw efficient communication, Panchayati Raj, strong security, judiciary, and urban-rural planning. She remained devoted to Lord Shiva and society, and her work in social upliftment and women's rights is a proud part of our heritage.
I am pleased to share that Madhya Pradesh is marking the year with workshops, seminars, plays, and cultural activities to spread her ideas. On Vijayadashami, weapon worship ceremonies were held statewide in her honour. Her teachings on character, family harmony, the environment, and national service were shared with the public.
PM Modi ji has given the mantra of development with heritage. Aligned with this, we launched the Destination Cabinet initiative to integrate tourism and heritage. We held cabinet meetings in Maheshwar and Indore in Ahilyabai's memory. In one, we decided to enforce prohibition in 19 sacred sites; in the other, we launched the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Training Programme.
To fulfil the PM's GYAN (Garib, Yuva, Kisan, Nari) vision, the Devi Ahilyabai Women Empowerment Mission was launched for women's education, health, nutrition, safety, and economic self-reliance. It targets better girl child sex ratios, education, workforce participation, and reduced crime and maternal mortality.
We are committed to women's empowerment. Schemes like Ladli Behna, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Ladli Laxmi, and One Stop Centres have brought real change. Dedicated Women Industry Parks and 50% capital grants in the MSME Policy 2025 support women entrepreneurs. Ten thousand women have been trained under Safe Tourism schemes.
I am proud that Madhya Pradesh was the first state to raise women's job reservation from 33% to 35%. Programmes like Lado Abhiyan, Shaurya Dal, and social pensions for 1.8 million women ensure dignity and support at every life stage.
I believe that empowered women will empower families, society, the state, and the nation. On Madhya Pradesh's soil, Devi Ahilyabai's vision is taking strong and steady root.
(Author is Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh)