The Indian Institute of Management Nagpur, in collaboration with Devi Ahilyabai Smarak Samiti, Mythic Society (Bengaluru), Smt. Manoramabai Mundle College of Architecture, and Maharashtra National Law University, hosted a One-Day National Conference commemorating the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.
Titled “Philosopher Queen Devi Ahilyabai Holkar,” the event brought together scholars, students, and thought leaders to explore her visionary contributions to governance, cultural revival, social reform, and development. A total of 51 research papers were presented on these themes.
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways delivered a compelling keynote. “Ahilyabai’s legacy is rooted in dharma, and her actions offer a spiritual blueprint for modern governance,” he said, emphasizing her ability to harmonize civil planning with moral leadership. “She didn’t just restore temples—she rebuilt society.” Shri Gadkari urged the academic community to study such historical models to influence contemporary policy and civic life.
Smt. Annpurna Devi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, officially inaugurated the conference. Hailing Ahilyabai Holkar as a paragon of humility and service, she noted: “From Kashi to Rameshwaram, the structures she built still serve as sanctuaries of faith and community. Her life teaches us that leadership must begin with service.” She called upon youth and policymakers alike to build a self-reliant and value-driven India by 2047, inspired by Ahilyabai’s example.
Delivering a special address, Hon’ble Former Union Minister Smt. Smriti Irani described Ahilyabai as “the gold standard of governance—compassionate, accountable, and spiritually anchored.” She advocated for greater recognition of women leaders in Indian history, urging educational institutions to spotlight such icons.
Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur, welcomed the dignitaries and emphasized the Institute’s mission to shape ethical and visionary leaders. “Ahilyabai’s life is a masterclass in values-based leadership,” he noted. He reaffirmed IIM Nagpur’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and cultural scholarship.
Shrimati Shanthakka Ji, Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, delivered a stirring speech invoking Ahilyabai’s spiritual vision for an undivided Bharat. “Her temples were more than architecture—they were prayers for unity,” she said. Encouraging the youth, she added: “Leadership flows from sadhana and service. Ahilyabai showed us that.”
The event also included keynote addresses by Dr. Leena Gahane and scholars from the Mythic Society. Two books on leadership and design thinking were launched during the conference, reinforcing the relevance of historical wisdom in modern discourse.
The conference concluded with a collective resolve to carry forward the timeless ideals of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar—integrity, inclusivity, and inner strength—as guiding principles for India’s future.
