CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A commemorative event celebrating the birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilya was organized under the joint auspices of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (MCU) and the research journal Samagam. The event, held at the MCU City Campus, featured former Minister and MLA Ms. Archana Chitnis as the chief guest and Mr. Vikas Dave, Director of the Madhya Pradesh Sahitya Akademi, as the special guest. The program was presided over by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. K.G. Suresh. On this occasion, a special issue of the Samagam magazine dedicated to Devi Ahilya was also released.
In his presidential address, Prof. K.G. Suresh highlighted Devi Ahilya’s administrative prowess and her remarkable contributions to spirituality. He noted that Devi Ahilyabai was responsible for constructing various major religious sites and ghats on sacred rivers across the country, including the renovation of 12 Jyotirlingas.
Special guest Dr. Vikas Dave stated that writing about Devi Ahilya is akin to writing about a grand personality. He mentioned that the common people bestowed upon her the title of Lokmata. Dr. Dave described her as a woman of strong character. Former Minister and MLA Ms. Archana Chitnis praised Devi Ahilya’s era for its excellence in diplomacy, valor, employment, and business. She lauded Devi Ahilya’s skills, noting that she was a rare ruler in human history, often referred to as the virtuous Lokmata Devi Ahilya. She emphasized that women have always been empowered, with Lokmata Ahilya serving as an exemplary figure.
The program was conducted by Mr. Vivek Savorikar, Director of MCU City Campus and Assistant Registrar, and the vote of thanks was given by Mr. Manoj Kumar, editor of Samagam magazine. Also in attendance were the university’s Registrar Prof. Dr. Avinash Vajpeyi, All India Radio Bhopal News Editor Mr. Sanjeev Sharma, Head of the Mass Communication Department Dr. Aarti Sarang, Head of the Communication Research Department Dr. Rakhi Tiwari, Evening Course In-charge Mr. Pradeep Daheriyah, Former Student Cell Coordinator Dr. Lal Bahadur Ojha, and many distinguished guests.