Gadkari highlights continuing importance of Shivaji Maharaj and Holkar vision for India
Nitin Gadkari
, in a recent address, underscored the enduring inspiration drawn from historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, stating their visionary ideas remain vital for shaping India's bright future.
Speaking at an event, Gadkari highlighted the remarkable foresight of Ahilyabai Holkar, who prioritised societal development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and tourism — issues that continue to dominate contemporary discourse.
"Devi Ahilyabai had a vision that encompassed the holistic progress of society. The issues she addressed centuries ago, like infrastructure and tourism, are still relevant today," Gadkari said.
He emphasised that the current govt's focus on promoting tourism through the development of religious and cultural sites aligns closely with Ahilyabai's legacy.
The minister urged the nation to draw lessons from such historical personalities, stating, "There is no difference between her vision then and our goals today. We have much to learn from our history and figures like Shivaji Maharaj and Ahilyabai Holkar to propel India forward."
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Keventer One: Offices built for you
Keventer ONE
Undo
Gadkari's remarks come as the govt continues to invest in infrastructure and tourism, aiming to boost economic growth while preserving India's rich cultural heritage.
BJP leader Smriti Irani, speaking during the conference, lauded Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's exemplary governance, emphasising her role as a female ruler in Indian history. Irani noted that Holkar's reign exemplified strategic, military, and ethical administration, setting a benchmark for leadership.
"Ahilyabai's governance was not just about power but ethics, a model for today," Irani said.
She said the conference saw 51 papers presented, aiming to mainstream Holkar's contributions as one of India's ablest administrators. Her legacy in preserving cultural heritage and effective governance continues to inspire modern India's administrative ethos, she added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
16 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Meghalaya MP seeks ILP implementation amidst fears of influx from Assam
Shillong, With growing concerns over possible influx of illegal settlers evicted from Assam, an MP from Meghalaya on Friday urged the Union home ministry to implement the Inner Line Permit system in the state, a long-pending demand that has been consistently voiced by the people over the years. Meghalaya MP seeks ILP implementation amidst fears of influx from Assam During a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Voice of the People Party MP Ricky Syngkon expressed deep concern over the demographic pressures facing the state, citing increasing incidents of unauthorised settlements and encroachments, particularly in sensitive border and fringe areas, including along the international boundary with Bangladesh and those along the interstate boundary with Assam. "The unchecked influx of migrants poses a grave threat to the cultural identity, land rights, and socio-economic security of the tribal population of Meghalaya," Syngkon stated, while calling for urgent intervention from the Centre. The MP pointed out that neighbouring states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland are already under the ILP regime, which serves as a protective mechanism to regulate the entry of non-locals and safeguard the rights of indigenous communities. The appeal gains urgency in light of Assam's ongoing eviction drives targeting illegal settlers and undocumented immigrants, which, the MP fears, could lead to spillover migration into Meghalaya's vulnerable regions. "The implementation of ILP would fulfil a long-standing aspiration of the people and reinforce their trust in constitutional safeguards provided under the Sixth Schedule," the MP said. The demand for ILP is not new. The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly had passed a unanimous resolution in December 2019 urging the Centre to extend the ILP system to the state. Despite multiple follow-ups, the matter remains pending with the Ministry of Home Affairs. The MP also raised the issue of constitutional recognition of the Khasi language, describing it as a vital marker of Meghalaya's cultural and historical identity, and urged the Centre to act on the 2018 Assembly resolution seeking its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule. Additionally, the MP requested that directives be issued to ensure preferential employment opportunities for local tribal youth, particularly in Group 'C' and support staff positions, within central establishments in the state, in alignment with the constitutional provisions under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules. The MP further called for the revival of currently non-operational air routes such as Shillong-Dimapur, Shillong-Agartala, and Shillong-Silchar to improve regional mobility, reduce travel hardship, and integrate Meghalaya more closely with the Northeast and the rest of the country. Syngkon also urged the Ministry of Tourism to upgrade the Shillong Centre of the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management into a full-fledged institute, citing its potential to emerge as a hub for tourism studies, skill development, and entrepreneurship in the region. As of now, the Centre has not taken a final decision on any of the demands. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Mint
16 minutes ago
- Mint
India, New Zealand conclude second round of FTA talks in Delhi; third round set for September in Auckland
New Delhi: India and New Zealand have completed the second round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), with both sides registering progress across key sectors, the commerce ministry said in a statement on Friday. The discussions, which concluded on 25 July in New Delhi, focused on deepening trade and investment ties and reflected growing alignment on a range of commercial and regulatory issues. The third round is slated for September in New Zealand, the ministry said. The development comes a day after India and the United Kingdom signed a landmark free trade agreement, adding to India's growing portfolio of bilateral trade agreements, including those with Australia and the UAE. The latest talks between India and New Zealand were held from 14-25 July and saw advancement in several negotiating pillars, including trade in goods and services, investment, rules of origin, customs procedures, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and economic cooperation. Negotiators from both sides indicated that early convergence had been achieved on multiple texts, and virtual intersessional meetings will be held to sustain momentum until the next in-person round. The FTA discussions were formally launched during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to India in March, when he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both sides announced the launch of negotiations for a free trade agreement as part of efforts to deepen economic cooperation amid growing concerns over a potential global tariff war triggered by US President Donald Trump's aggressive trade stance. Mint was the first to report on India exploring renewed FTA negotiations with New Zealand, in a report dated 26 June 2024. The first round of negotiations between the two countries began in May 2025 in New Delhi. The latest round of talks signals steady movement towards what officials described as a 'balanced, comprehensive, and forward-looking agreement'. India's merchandise trade with New Zealand reached $1.3 billion in 2024-25, up nearly 49% from FY24, albeit from a relatively modest base. Trade analysts said an agreement with New Zealand, while smaller in scale compared with India's deals with the UK and the EU, would help New Delhi stitch a more strategic Indo-Pacific trade network. 'New Zealand is a gateway to the Pacific and has a relatively high per capita import appetite,' said Abhash Kumar, a trade economist. 'A well-negotiated deal will give Indian firms a secure and rules-based market while opening possibilities for trilateral arrangements with Australia or ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).' India is focusing on improving access for sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, information technology services, and agri-products, while New Zealand is expected to push for gains in dairy, meat, wine, and education services.
The Hindu
16 minutes ago
- The Hindu
185 displaced persons granted Indian citizenship under CAA in Gujarat
After years of uncertainty, 185 displaced persons from Pakistan were granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019. The recipients, many of whom have been residing in Gujarat's Rajkot, Morbi, and Kutch districts for several years, were handed over citizenship documents at an event in Rajkot. 'You are now citizens of the great nation - India,' Gujarat Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi told the gathering. The announcement was met with chants of 'Bharat mata ki jai (Victory to mother India)' from the audience, with several recipients becoming emotional as they received their certificates. The beneficiaries included men, women, and children who migrated from Pakistan citing religious persecution and lack of security. Many belong to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities - groups recognised under the CAA as eligible for naturalisation. Among those granted citizenship was a young woman doctor who had completed her medical education in Pakistan. 'Just as she was about to begin her career, her family was forced to flee the country,' Mr. Sanghavi said. 'After years of waiting in India without legal status, she now holds official Indian citizenship,' he said. Mr. Sanghavi added that she was just one example of the many lives impacted by the law. Other beneficiaries included daily wage earners, homemakers, and elderly persons who had lived without formal citizenship for several years. Mr. Sanghavi said the Government of India is committed to supporting those who have suffered due to religious discrimination in neighbouring countries. 'This is not just the distribution of a certificate - it is the return of dignity, safety, and rights,' he said. He added that India, guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), respects all religions and safeguards the rights of the vulnerable. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the implementation of the CAA, calling it a step that has saved lives and restored identity to many. Mr. Sanghavi also directed local officials to facilitate the integration of the new citizens into government systems and ensure their access to schemes related to education, healthcare, housing, and livelihood. 'From today, your children will grow up with access to the same opportunities as any other Indian citizen,' he told them. Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude after receiving their citizenship certificates. 'From today, I am part of India. I feel safe. I feel recognised,' said Asha Ben Becharbhai, a resident of Rajkot. Bhavna Ben Maheshwari, who has lived in Rajkot for the past 10 years and has been working for the past eight, said, 'Now I can say without hesitation - I am an Indian citizen. I thank the government for supporting us.'
