Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, and participated in the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Women Empowerment Conclave at Jamboree Ground. He addressed a large public gathering and paid tribute to Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. He praised her as a symbol of courage, culture, and compassion.

He said, “Just hearing the name ‘Ahilyabai’ evokes a feeling of devotion.” He recalled that centuries ago, when India remained under foreign rule, she not only uplifted her kingdom but also protected the soul of Bharat — its culture and heritage.

Modi remembered that Ahilyabai rebuilt many temples across India, including the Kashi Vishwanath temple. He said, “It is my privilege to serve in Kashi, where Lokmata once carried out great works of service and development.” He noted that her statue now stood tall at the Kashi temple complex.

To commemorate her contribution, Modi released a special postage stamp and a ₹300 coin bearing her image. He also presented the National Devi Ahilyabai Award to women artists for their work in tribal, folk, and traditional Indian arts.

Operation Sindoor

He praised Operation Sindoor and described it as the most successful anti-terror operation in India’s history. He said, “When terrorists tried to tear apart our society in Pahalgam, our brave soldiers turned their hideouts into dust.” He added, “Now every Indian says — if you fire bullets, you will be answered with shells.”

He linked the word “Sindoor” with its sacred cultural meaning in India, representing strength and devotion. He said, “Hanuman applies it. We use it during worship. And today, it has become a new symbol of India’s courage.”

He especially applauded the courage of women in uniform. He said, “Even when Pakistan was firing shells, our BSF women didn’t step back.” He added, “From classrooms to battlefields, India trusts its daughters more than ever.”

He emphasised that women played crucial roles not only in defending borders but also in anti-Maoist operations.

He spoke at length about women’s empowerment. He said the government aimed to make 3 crore rural women into Lakhpati Didis and over 1.5 crore women had already achieved that goal.

He said, “Our rural sisters, working as Bank Sakhis and Insurance Sakhis, are taking financial services to the last mile.” He added, “Earlier, women were kept away from technology, but now the situation is changing.”

He highlighted the progress of women in science, medicine, engineering, and aviation. He mentioned that over 100 women scientists and engineers worked on the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He also referred to the Namo Drone Didi initiative, which enabled rural women to adopt tech-based livelihoods.

Ahilyabai’s vision

Modi stated that his government followed the path shown by Ahilyabai Holkar. He said, “Her governance focused on the poor and the marginalised.” He pointed out that she built irrigation canals and promoted cottage industries — areas his government was actively promoting today.

He cited the principle “Nagrik Devo Bhava” (citizens are divine) and said, “In every scheme, women are not just beneficiaries — they are at the centre.”

He noted that for the first time, millions of women received ownership of homes and were now leading startups and even space mission.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav supported Modi’s remarks and said the visit was a tribute to Ahilyabai’s ideals. He said the state government was working hard to fulfill her dream of an empowered society.

Women organised the entire event. A woman pilot flew Modi’s aircraft from Datia to Bhopal. The first ride of the Indore Metro carried only women passengers. Women handled security, stage arrangements, and every operational detail of the conclave.

Tens of thousands of women wearing sindoori (vermillion-colored) sarees lined Bhopal’s streets. They welcomed Modi with a grand roadshow. The national flag fluttered across the city and posters celebrating Operation Sindoor filled the roads.

As the roadshow concluded at Jamboree Ground, it became clear this was not just another political event. It emerged as a strong celebration of India’s strength shaped by women, guided by Ahilyabai’s legacy, and led by a government focused on change.

Modi’s visit to Bhopal became a clear message, a blend of heritage, bravery, and the unstoppable force of Nari Shakti (women power) in New India.