Following in Ahilyabai’s Footsteps, Let Us All Realize the Vision of a Developed India: CM Nayab Singh Saini

State-level event held in Pipli, Kurukshetra to commemorate 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar
Chandigarh, May 31 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving steadily towards becoming a developed nation. In this journey, he urged everyone to follow in the footsteps of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar by delivering justice, fostering development, and preserving culture. Speaking at a grand state-level ceremony on the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar in Pipli, Kurukshetra, the Chief Minister called on citizens to commit themselves to social service and to ensuring education and equal rights for daughters.

The Chief Minister was honoured by the Pal Gadaria community with a turban, shawl, and memento. He also paid floral tributes to a portrait of Ahilyabai Holkar before addressing the gathering.

In his address, CM Saini announced the construction of a museum in Ahilyabai Holkar’s name on two acres of land, aimed at educating and inspiring the youth about her life and contributions. He further declared that, with the consent of the Pal Gadaria community, an entry gate named after Ahilyabai would be constructed in a village or town. Additionally, he pledged ₹31 lakh from his discretionary fund to the Pal Gadaria community’s dharamshala in Kurukshetra. Cabinet Ministers Krishan Lal Panwar, Mahipal Dhanda, Ranbir Gangwa, Shyam Singh Rana, along with MPs Naveen Jindal and Ram Chandra Jangra, also pledged ₹11 lakh each.

Government Spreading Messages of Saints and Great Leaders

CM Saini emphasized that saints and great figures are not just cultural treasures but sources of inspiration. The state government, through the ‘Sant-Mahapurush Vichar Samman evam Prasar Yojana’, is working to spread their messages widely. This event was organized as part of that initiative.

Ahilyabai Holkar – A Living Symbol of Women Empowerment

Recalling her legacy, CM Saini said that Ahilyabai Holkar, born on May 31, 1725, in the village of Chondi in Maharashtra, defied societal norms during a time when women were denied education and governance. She proved that when a woman is determined, she can change the course of history. As a ruler, Ahilyabai implemented tax relief for farmers, encouraged trade, and ensured equal opportunities for all sections of society. Her legacy aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.

Revival of Pilgrimage Sites Under Ahilyabai’s Patronage

Ahilyabai’s unmatched contribution to India’s spiritual heritage includes the restoration of major pilgrimage sites like Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Mathura, Ayodhya, Badrinath, and Rameswaram. Her efforts in reviving temples and religious practices were acknowledged in 2019 when Prime Minister Modi unveiled her statue at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Swift Retaliation to Terror

Highlighting women’s courage, CM Saini stated that Ahilyabai symbolized not just compassion but also decisive leadership. Referring to a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, he said it was a targeted act against families in front of daughters. In retaliation, under PM Modi’s direction, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor to destroy terrorist hideouts. Daughters like Vyomika Singh and Sofia Quraishi played a key role in the operation.

Inclusive Development Based on “One Haryana, One Haryanvi”

Following Ahilyabai’s ideals, the state government is ensuring equitable development for all communities. CM Saini mentioned that 49 lakh BPL families in the state receive free monthly food grains. Under the Ujjwala Yojana, about 15 lakh women have received free LPG connections. Over 17 lakh BPL and AAY families benefit from subsidized LPG cylinders. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, more than 65,000 houses have been built, and over 41,000 are under construction. Additionally, under the Ambedkar Housing Renewal Scheme, ₹80,000 is provided for house repairs.

Free Healthcare for the Poor Under Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu Yojana

To eliminate healthcare worries for the underprivileged, the Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu Yojana offers up to ₹5 lakh in free medical treatment per year. So far, 20.66 lakh patients have received treatments worth ₹2,761 crore. Free healthcare is also extended to senior citizens over 70. Under the Dayalu Yojana, families with an annual income below ₹1.8 lakh receive up to ₹5 lakh in compensation in case of death or disability. Nearly ₹1,100 crore has been disbursed to around 29,000 families so far.

Backward Classes Commission for Targeted Welfare

A dedicated Backward Classes Commission has been established to address the issues faced by backward communities. They now receive 27% reservations in central schools, Sainik Schools, Navodaya Vidyalayas, MBBS admissions, and jobs. The income limit for the creamy layer has also been increased from ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh per annum.

Welfare Initiatives for Backward Class Students

The government has waived tuition fees up to Class 12 for backward class students and provides free books, uniforms, and stationery. College and university fees for daughters of these families have also been waived. Under the Dr. Ambedkar Medhavi Chhatra Yojana, meritorious students receive up to ₹8,000 annually for higher education. Post-matric scholarships of up to ₹750 per month and reimbursement of all non-refundable fees are also being given. Additionally, the Haryana Kesh Kala and Skill Development Board and the Mati Kala Board have been established.

On World No Tobacco Day, Take a Pledge to Eliminate Drug Abuse

CM Saini also noted that May 31 is observed as World No Tobacco Day. He described tobacco as a slow poison and urged everyone to choose health, service, and values over addiction. He called for a collective commitment to eradicating drug abuse from society.

Notable Attendees

Cabinet Ministers Krishan Lal Panwar, Mahipal Dhanda, Ranbir Gangwa, Shyam Singh Rana, BJP State President Mohan Lal Kaushik, MPs Naveen Jindal, Ram Chandra Jangra, MLAs Ramkumar Kashyap, Pawan Kharkhoda, Satpal Jamba, Dr. Krishan Kumar, and Shamsher Singh, State President of Pal Gadaria community, were among the dignitaries present at the event.

By Balwinder Singh

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