Chandigarh: The Chandigarh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commemorated the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar with reverence and devotion at the party office in Sector 33 on Thursday.
Former BJP National Secretary Sunil Deodhar was the keynote speaker at the event and addressed party workers on the remarkable life, legacy, and contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar. The program began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tributes.
Deodhar, in his address, said, “Ahilyabai Holkar was not just a ruler but a symbol of social justice, devotion, and women empowerment. The way she led with wisdom, compassion, and spiritual strength in the 18th century remains an inspiration even today. She considered governance as service to God and saw herself as a humble trustee of the state.”
Prominent leaders present at the event included State BJP President Jitender Pal Malhotra, Former State Presidents Sanjay Tandon and Arun Sood, program convener Rambir Bhatti, and co-convener Heera Negi, along with several senior party officials and workers.
Speakers highlighted Ahilyabai’s contributions, such as the reconstruction of temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Ayodhya, Dwarka, Rameshwaram, and many others that had been desecrated. She also built dharamshalas, stepwells, tanks, and roads across the country and initiated welfare measures for the common people. Her governance model emphasized service over power.
State President Jitender Pal Malhotra called Ahilyabai’s life a beacon of selfless service and national pride, urging party workers to follow in her footsteps and serve the community with dedication.
All attendees paid floral tributes to the revered queen and resolved to draw inspiration from her life and ideals.
