Nivedita Trust and Panjab University Commemorate 300th Birth Anniversary of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ September 26,2024
The Nivedita Trust, in collaboration with Panjab University, organized a grand program to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, the revered social reformer and visionary ruler. The event took place at Panjab University, and it was graced by distinguished personalities, including Bollywood playback and classical singer Dr. Jaspinder Narula as the Chief Guest, and Pradeep Joshi, an eminent thinker and social transformer, who delivered the keynote address. The program was presided over by Dr. Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University.
The event drew participation from eminent women professionals from the Tricity region, with a special focus on celebrating women achievers. A documentary on the life and contributions of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, particularly her leadership in social reforms and architectural works, was screened during the program.
In a remarkable gesture, the prestigious Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar Award 2024 was conferred upon several notable women achievers, including:
- Dr. Sunaini Sharma – Eminent Panjabi Folk Singer
- Dr. Anita Kaushal & Dr. Sapna Nanda – Eminent Academicians
- Usha Sharma – Retired Bureaucrat and Poetess
- Dr. Vinay Kapoor Mehra – Former Vice-Chancellor
- Guneet Swani, Dr. Latika Sharma, and Dr. Nandita Singh
Pradeep Joshi, in his keynote address, shared inspiring stories from the life of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, highlighting her contributions to women’s empowerment and social transformation. He emphasized the importance of upholding Indian cultural values and encouraged women professionals to take a greater role in societal leadership. His speech resonated deeply with the audience, drawing attention to the relevance of Maharani Ahilyabai’s philosophy in modern times.
Chief Guest Dr. Jaspinder Narula praised Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar’s lasting legacy and lauded the awardees for their achievements, expressing her admiration for their contributions to society.
In her presidential address, Dr. Renu Vig reiterated Panjab University’s commitment to supporting value-based education and women empowerment, which were at the core of Maharani Ahilyabai’s vision.
During a media interaction after the event, Dr. Jaspinder Narula, Dr. Renu Vig, and Dr. Sapna Nanda announced a collaborative initiative to promote classical music, particularly Gurmat Sangeet, through training programs for budding singers and music teachers in the region. Dr. Narula, inspired by the legacy of her father, Kesar Singh Narula, will mentor aspiring musicians, imparting the nuances of classical music to preserve and promote the tradition of Gurubani singing.
Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Narula emphasized her desire to give back to society, stating, “After achieving professional success, I now wish to dedicate my time and efforts to rejuvenating the tradition of Gurubani singing among the youth.” She affirmed her unwavering support for this noble cause, organized jointly by Panjab University and Nivedita Trust under the Sapatsindhu initiative.
