Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhopal on Saturday to attend the Women’s Empowerment Mega-Conference. During the ‘Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Women’s Empowerment Mega-Conference’ event held at the Jamboree Maidan in Bhopal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Ahilyabai Holkar. PM Modi was welcomed by ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) with the traditional application of *sindoor* (vermilion). It is noteworthy that this marks the Prime Minister’s first visit to Madhya Pradesh following ‘Operation Sindoor’. The entire proceedings of the event—from security arrangements to overall management—are being handled exclusively by women. PM Modi flagged off several major schemes and initiatives. Additionally, he released a commemorative postage stamp during the event.
PM Narendra Modi stated, “First and foremost, I bow down to Mother India—to the maternal power of our nation. Today, mothers, sisters, and daughters have gathered here in such large numbers to bestow their blessings upon us. I feel truly blessed to have had the privilege of seeing you all.” Speaking about Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai, PM Modi remarked, “Today marks the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. For the 1.4 billion people of India, this occasion serves as a source of inspiration—an opportunity to contribute to the monumental efforts currently underway for nation-building. Devi Ahilyabai Holkar used to say that the true essence of governance lies in serving the people and striving to improve their lives.” PM Modi further added, “The mere mention of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s name evokes a profound sense of reverence in our hearts. Words fall short when attempting to describe her magnificent personality. Devi Ahilyabai stands as a living testament to the fact that when there is strong willpower and unwavering resolve—no matter how adverse the circumstances may be—it is indeed possible to achieve tangible results.” PM Modi stated, “250–300 years ago, when the nation was shackled by the chains of slavery—to accomplish such monumental deeds during that era that countless future generations would speak of them—is easy to say, but was by no means easy to do. Lokmata Ahilyabai never viewed the service of God and the service of the people as distinct from one another. It is said that she always carried a *Shivling* (sacred emblem of Lord Shiva) with her. In that challenging epoch, leading a kingdom was akin to wearing a crown of thorns; yet, Lokmata Ahilyabai steered her state’s prosperity in a transformative new direction.”
‘We Will Crush the Head of Terror’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted, “In Pahalgam, terrorists did not merely spill Indian blood; they attempted to strike at the very core of our culture. They sought to sow division within our society. These terrorists have issued a challenge to India’s *Nari Shakti* (women’s power). This very challenge has now become their undoing—a harbinger of doom for the terrorists and their handlers. ‘Operation Sindoor’ stands as the largest and most successful operation in India’s history against terrorism. Our armed forces razed terrorist hideouts to the ground in locations where the Pakistani military had not even dared to imagine our presence. Should the head of terror ever rear itself again, we will crush it.”
