New India prepared to answer any threat, says Dhankhar

Vice President pays tribute to Ahilyabai Holkar at event in Agra, praises Yogi

- HT Correspondent

AGRA: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday said the Indian defence forces had proved to the world that the new India is prepared to answer any threat. He also said defence products manufactured in Uttar Pradesh will haunt the enemy for a long time as these demolished hideouts of terrorist outfits.

Dhankhar was speaking as the chief guest at an event to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar in Agra.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Haryana governor Bandaru Dattatreya were present on the occasion. Union minister of state and Agra MP Prof SP Singh Baghel welcomed the guests.

The vice president praised Ahilyabai Holkar for her governance and commitment to women empowerment as well as her contribution to renovation of temples damaged by invaders.

Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled Malwa (Indore) when it was part of the Maratha empire in the 18th century, was well known for her social welfare and humanitarian work. "This day of the birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar is not only historic, but also an occasion for us to follow the philosophy of life that Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar showed. We need to express commitment to follow her principles because she was not only a good ruler, but also a representative of the high values of Indian heritage, a custodian of religion and culture," the vice president said.

"She revived countless temples, including the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, Kashi Vishwanath, Omkareshwar, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Bheema Shankar and Rameshwaram. After demolition by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, Ahilyabai Holkar revived the Kashi Vishwanath temple 100 years later. The ghats and beautification of the present-day Kashi is the outcome of efforts by chief minister Yogi Adityanath under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added.