Chandigarh, May 29 — The Chandigarh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday commemorated the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar with deep reverence and devotion at the party headquarters in Sector 33.
The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tributes to the legendary Maratha queen, known for her visionary leadership, philanthropic works, and deep-rooted spirituality.
Former BJP National Secretary Sunil Deodhar served as the keynote speaker, addressing party workers on Ahilyabai Holkar’s exceptional life and enduring legacy. “Ahilyabai was not merely a ruler—she was a symbol of social justice, spiritual devotion, and women empowerment,” Deodhar said. “She governed not as a monarch, but as a trustee of her people, believing that service to the people was service to God.”
Several prominent leaders were in attendance, including State BJP President Jitender Pal Malhotra, Former State Presidents Sanjay Tandon and Arun Sood, program convener Rambir Bhatti, co-convener Heera Negi, and other senior officials and karyakartas.
Speakers at the event highlighted Ahilyabai Holkar’s significant contributions to the cultural and spiritual heritage of India. During her reign in the 18th century, she spearheaded the reconstruction of major temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Ayodhya, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram, which had previously been desecrated. She also established dharamshalas, stepwells, public tanks, and roads across the country, and introduced several social welfare initiatives.
State President Jitender Pal Malhotra described Ahilyabai’s life as “a beacon of selfless service and national pride,” urging party workers to emulate her dedication to public welfare and spiritual values.
The event concluded with all attendees offering floral tributes to Ahilyabai Holkar and taking a collective pledge to draw inspiration from her ideals of compassion, justice, and servant leadership.
