
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a special ₹300 commemorative coin in Bhopal on Saturday to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, one of India’s most revered female rulers and a symbol of progressive governance.
The launch was part of the Women Empowerment Maha Sammelan held at Jamboree Maidan, drawing thousands from across Madhya Pradesh.
The coin, issued by the Union Ministry of Culture, features an embossed image of Ahilyabai Holkar, honouring her as a beacon of good governance, philanthropy, and cultural renaissance.
An official gazette notification from the Finance Ministry confirmed the release of the coin, making it a historic tribute.
Before the unveiling, PM Modi garlanded Ahilyabai Holkar’s statue and offered floral respects, commemorating her extraordinary contributions.
हम सभी की प्रेरणा, राष्ट्र की अद्वितीय गौरव लोकमाता देवी अहिल्याबाई होल्कर जी की 300वीं जयंती पर आज भोपाल में आयोजित “महिला सशक्तिकरण महासम्मेलन” में आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी ने पुण्यश्लोका देवी अहिल्याबाई होल्कर जी की प्रतिमा पर माल्यार्पण कर श्रद्धा-सुमन अर्पित… pic.twitter.com/w4UTkU61WW
— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) May 31, 2025
Born in 1725 in Chondi, Maharashtra, she took the reins of Indore after personal tragedy and ruled from 1767 for nearly three decades.
Her legacy includes infrastructure development, temple restoration, including the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and fostering trade and welfare.
Recognising Women’s & Tribal Empowerment
At the event, PM Modi also conferred the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Prize to Dr Jaymati Kashyap from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
Dr Kashyap preserved the Gondi language and rescued women from trafficking, earning recognition as a dedicated tribal scholar.
Her efforts underscore the PM Modi government’s focus on grassroots empowerment and cultural preservation.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who addressed the massive gathering, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the values Ahilyabai stood for – dignity, empowerment, and justice.
He credited her legacy as the inspiration behind several ongoing state-led initiatives for women.
लोकमाता देवी अहिल्याबाई होल्कर जी की 300वीं जयंती मनाना आज सच्चे अर्थों में सार्थक सिद्ध हो रहा है…#AhilyaBaiHolkarAt300 pic.twitter.com/4VuR6irROt
— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) May 31, 2025
The Sammelan concluded ten days of events across Madhya Pradesh celebrating Ahilyabai’s life and achievements, showcasing her as a model of leadership for modern India.
PM Modi’s presence in Bhopal also marked his first visit to the capital city following India’s successful ‘Operation Sindoor’, a strategic military mission against cross-border terrorism, underscoring the link between domestic strength and cultural pride.
Through this event, the government not only honoured a historical figure but also reinforced its narrative of empowering women and preserving India’s civilizational values.
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