Indore (Madhya Pradesh): On the auspicious occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a grand and inspiring celebration was held in Boston, USA.
The event was organised by Friends of MP, Global Citizen Forum and several prominent Indian and Hindu diaspora organisations.
The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Salil Maakoday and Sanjeev Saxena. Pramit Maakoday, founding member of Friends of MP, presided over the event and emphasised that Devi Ahilyabai was not only a distinguished ruler of central India but a timeless symbol of women’s leadership.
He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission, saying, “Indore’s achievement of being ranked India’s cleanest city seven times is deeply inspired by the values of service and good governance.”
Sanjeev Tripathi, a senior community leader, recited an inspiring and motivational poem about Devi Ahilyabai.
Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki, an acclaimed academic, researcher and orthodontist from Boston, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Thalanki emphasised the continued relevance of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s inclusive leadership, spiritual vision and social reforms in today’s world, saying that her governance blended transparency, welfare and ‘dharma’. It was a rare example of ethical leadership, even by modern standards, she said.
Nisha Maakoday and Aditya Jhavar also shared their views. Nisha, originally from Indore and now residing in the US, expressed pride in being born on the same land which Ahilyabai once ruled. Sangeeta Saxena from Gayatri Parivar and Deepti Nagraj from HSS, New England also shared their thoughts on Ahilyabai’s enduring impact and global relevance.
Pramit Maakoday proposed that with the support of the Global Citizen Forum, this initiative should be taken to the United Nations and turned into a globally recognized programme, celebrating Devi Ahilybai’s leadership and her women empowerment.
