Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the Ahilya Vahini Women’s Bike Rally, organised to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, symbolises women’s empowerment. The rally also reflects the honour accorded to women and their powerful image in India’s rich cultural heritage. Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar has always been a symbol of good governance. At a time when foreign invaders ruled India from Delhi, she set an extraordinary example of women's empowerment.
Dr. Yadav mentioned that historical figures like Rani Durgavati, Veerangana Lakshmibai, and Rani Avantibai further elevated the status of women in Indian society. Rani Ahilyabai was an ideal daughter-in-law, mother, wife, and a great ruler. She transformed personal sorrow into strength and worked tirelessly for women’s empowerment, women’s education, restoration of religious sites, and public welfare. Her administrative excellence and social commitment proved that strong will and dedication to service are the true foundations of a powerful nation.
The Chief Minister addressed the public at Shaurya Smarak during the launch of the state-level rally, part of the Jan Kalyani Parv celebrations, which are being held across the state on the occasion of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar’s tercentenary.
Dr. Yadav flagged off the Ahilya Vahini Women’s Bike Rally and also a bus carrying women participants under the Maa Tujhe Pranam scheme. Women from the Gwalior-Chambal region will visit various historical, cultural, and tourist sites across the state. The Chief Minister was welcomed with a ceremonial police band upon his arrival, and female police officers presented him with a guard of honour. He offered floral tributes to the statue of Bharat Mata and the portrait of Lokmata Ahilyabai at the Shaurya Smarak. He also honoured the women bikers and symbolically presented a helmet to a female rider to promote road safety. During the program, the Madhya Pradesh Police Orchestra gave a captivating performance of patriotic songs.