In a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most revered women leaders, the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR), Chandigarh, organized a two-day expert lecture series on the life and contributions of Punyashlok Rani Ahilyabai Holkar under the nationalistic theme “Rashtra Pratham”.
The first lecture was held on 28th May 2025, which was delivered by Dr. Mamta Yadav, Member, Haryana Public Service Commission. In her talk titled "Life of Punyashlok Rani Ahilyabai Holkar", Dr. Yadav provided a compelling narrative of Rani Ahilyabai’s life, tracing her humble beginnings, early challenges, and her rise as a visionary ruler and spiritual leader.
She emphasized Ahilyabai’s unwavering commitment to justice, welfare, and inclusive development, setting an example for governance rooted in compassion and moral integrity. The session commenced with an insightful address by Prof. (Dr.) Bhola Ram Gurjar, Director, NITTTR Chandigarh, who highlighted the timeless legacy of Lokmata Rani Ahilyabai Holkar.
He praised her as a model administrator who placed Rashtra Pratham—the nation first—through her dedicated service to the society, temple architecture, and ethical governance. He urged educators and students alike to draw inspiration from her life and imbibe the spirit of selfless leadership and service.
The lecture series continued on 29th May 2025, with the second expert session delivered by Prof. Jayanti Dutta, Programme Director, UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), Panjab University, Chandigarh. Her deeply analytical talk focused on “Contribution of Punyashlok Rani Ahilyabai Holkar in Governance”.
Prof. Dutta explored the strategic, administrative, and reformist aspects of Ahilyabai’s reign, showcasing her as a pioneer of good governance, efficient public welfare schemes, and religious tolerance. She noted that Ahilyabai’s policies continue to serve as benchmarks in the discourse of ethical governance and women-led leadership.
During this session, resource person Shri Sunil Deodhar ji, a social worker, described the Punyashlok Rani Ahilyabai Holkar as a Lokmata queen, who was also a patron of arts and culture, turning her capital, Maheshwar, into a hub for literary and artistic pursuits. He added that, Rani Ahilabhi holkar ji was not just a ruler but a visionary leader, who ruled with a sense of duty, administer justice fairly.
Her legacy continues to inspire contemporary governance models that emphasizes inclusivity, cultural preservation, and social welfare. These values and styles of leadership need to be imbibed by all of us as academicians for peaceful co-existence and sustainable society.
Both the sessions witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty, scholars, and staff, sparking engaging discussions on historical leadership and its relevance in today’s context. The events concluded with a vote of thanks, reiterating the institute’s commitment to promoting national values through academic dialogue and reflection.
Through this lecture series, NITTTR Chandigarh reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing civic consciousness and honoring the contributions of historical figures who epitomized the spirit of “Rashtra Pratham” — placing the nation above all.