KKN Gurugram Desk | Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhopal on Saturday turned into a historic day for women across the country. On the auspicious occasion of the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a grand Women’s Empowerment Summit was organized at Jamboree Maidan in the heart of Madhya Pradesh’s capital.

The event saw an overwhelming turnout of over two lakh women from different parts of the country, celebrating not only the legacy of an iconic female ruler but also the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a central initiative aimed at uplifting women’s dignity and safety.

A Celebration Rooted in History and Policy

The conference paid tribute to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the revered Maratha queen known for her visionary governance, progressive thinking, and commitment to justice. Her legacy has inspired countless Indian women over centuries. This year, the government chose to mark her 300th birth anniversary with an event that not only honored her memory but also reinforced the modern vision of women-led development.

Prime Minister Modi, addressing the massive crowd, emphasized the role of women in India’s progress and reiterated his government’s commitment to their empowerment.

‘Operation Sindoor’: A Turning Point for Women’s Safety

A significant highlight of the event was the celebration of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a policy-driven initiative focused on women’s security, especially in vulnerable and rural areas. The initiative has been credited with improving safety infrastructure, increasing police responsiveness, and promoting community-level vigilance.

Women Artists Pay Tribute Through Cultural Expression

A group of female artists from Maharashtra performed a powerful and emotionally charged theatrical presentation depicting the life and principles of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The performance, rich in cultural symbolism and social messaging, drew prolonged applause from the audience and was lauded by Prime Minister Modi himself.

At the end of the performance, these artists bowed in unison and chanted: “Dhanyavaad Modiji!”—a heartfelt thank you for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor.

Voices from the Ground: Cultural Performance with a Social Message

In a candid interaction with media personnel, the performers expressed how Operation Sindoor had positively impacted their lives. “It’s not just about safety—it’s about being seen, heard, and respected,” said one artist, her voice trembling with emotion.

Their performance wasn’t merely artistic—it symbolized the collective gratitude of thousands of women who have experienced a tangible change in their lives due to the government’s policies.

The visual of women dancing, performing, and offering their thanks to the Prime Minister was more than just a tribute—it was a living testimony of grassroots transformation.

Symbolism of the ‘Sindoor Theme’ in Bhopal

The city of Bhopal adopted a unique ‘Sindoor Theme’ for this grand welcome. From decorations to the attire of many women attendees, the vibrant red hue of sindoor (vermilion) became the event’s visual identity—symbolizing marital dignity, cultural pride, and womanhood.

Government officials, including cabinet ministers and senior bureaucrats, chose to wear sindoor-colored sarees in a symbolic show of solidarity with the empowerment agenda. “We are following the path shown by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar,” a state minister said, reinforcing the cultural roots of the event.

Women’s Empowerment in Focus: Government’s Ongoing Initiatives

This conference wasn’t a standalone event. It formed part of a broader campaign aimed at consolidating and scaling various schemes launched over the last decade:

1. Mission Shakti

Combines multiple schemes including:

• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao

• One Stop Centers for Violence Victims

• Women Helplines

• Mahila Police Volunteers

2. Stand Up India

Aims at providing bank loans to women entrepreneurs for starting small businesses, especially in semi-urban and rural regions.

3. PM Ujjwala Yojana

Has dramatically improved the health of rural women by providing free LPG connections.

4. Jal Jeevan Mission

Relieves women and girls from the burden of fetching water from distant places.

These policies collectively contribute to economic freedom, physical safety, and social dignity for women—core pillars of true empowerment.

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s Legacy: More Relevant Than Ever

The choice to commemorate Devi Ahilyabai’s tercentenary with a summit on women’s empowerment was deeply symbolic. Ahilyabai, often described as “the philosopher queen”, governed the Malwa kingdom in the 18th century with an unmatched vision of equality, fairness, and social welfare.

During her reign:

• She built hundreds of temples, wells, dharamshalas, and roads.

• Promoted education for women.

• Ensured justice was accessible to all, regardless of caste or gender.

Prime Minister Modi referred to her as a “timeless example of inclusive governance”, and urged modern-day policymakers to draw inspiration from her administrative model.

A Show of Unity and Participation

Beyond performances and speeches, the event served as a platform for grassroots women leaders from various states to share their journeys. From self-help group (SHG) entrepreneurs to female sarpanches, many women spoke about how government schemes had helped them break cycles of poverty and subordination.

The summit facilitated:

• Networking among rural women leaders

• Recognition of female change-makers

• Awareness sessions on legal rights and financial literacy

Security & Logistics: Managing a Crowd of Two Lakh

Organizing an event of such scale required meticulous planning. The district administration of Bhopal, in coordination with central security forces, ensured:

• Dedicated entry/exit zones for women

• Real-time crowd monitoring through drones

• Deployment of over 3,000 police personnel

• Medical booths and hydration counters every 50 meters

Despite the crowd size, the event remained orderly and safe, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in large-scale event management.

Opposition’s Viewpoint & Political Messaging

While the event was apolitical in tone, its scale and symbolism naturally attracted political interpretations.

Critics from opposition parties accused the government of using empowerment themes for electoral mileage ahead of upcoming state elections. However, women participants overwhelmingly voiced support for the policies, emphasizing that their lives had actually improved, regardless of political narratives.

PM Modi’s Speech: A Call for Equality with Opportunity

In his keynote address, PM Modi stated:

“Women in India are not just beneficiaries—they are leaders, builders, and protectors of the nation’s future. Our government is merely enabling them to shine.”

He emphasized the need for:

• Increased female participation in decision-making roles

• Better education access

• Support for working mothers

• Ending gender-based discrimination at every level

The Bhopal Women’s Empowerment Summit wasn’t just a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of India’s national resolve to uplift its women through policy, culture, and participation.

As the sun set on Jamboree Maidan, the chants of “Dhanyavaad Modiji” echoed through the crowd—not as a slogan, but as a collective acknowledgment of a journey that is well underway.

The spirit of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar lives on—not just in statues or history books, but in every empowered woman who dares to dream and lead.