On the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, PM Modi flags off Indore Metro and sends a strong message on national security
Bhopal/Indore – In a historic and symbolic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Indore Metro, marking a significant milestone in Madhya Pradesh’s infrastructure development. The launch coincided with the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, one of India’s most revered women rulers known for her contributions to justice, governance, and women’s empowerment.
The event took place amidst nationwide celebrations of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti, adding deep cultural significance to the metro launch. Thousands of residents, especially women, participated in the celebrations, with many seen dancing, chanting slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, and clicking selfies during their first metro ride.
A Metro Ride Inspired by Heritage and Empowerment
The Indore Metro project is designed not only to ease transportation in the city but also to reflect India’s rich cultural legacy. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the priority corridor, which begins at the Devi Ahilyabai Metro Terminal. The corridor will pass through metro stations named after prominent women warriors such as Rani Avanti Bai and Rani Jhalkari Bai, before culminating at the newly christened Operation Sindoor Metro Station.
Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava noted that this naming is a tribute to India’s brave women and a symbolic fusion of historic valor with modern India’s resolve.
PM Modi’s Message: A Blend of Development and Defence
Speaking at the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan in Bhopal, PM Modi celebrated the values of women empowerment, national pride, and security preparedness. Referring to recent terror attacks in Pahalgam, he declared that India’s patience has limits and any aggression from across the border will receive a fierce and fitting response.
“Ab goli ka jawab gole se milega (Now we will respond to bullets with shells),” the Prime Minister said, sending a clear warning to Pakistan.
He hailed Operation Sindoor as the biggest and most decisive anti-terror mission in India’s history. Launched in response to the Pahalgam attack, the operation targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, demonstrating India’s strategic depth and commitment to national security.
‘Operation Sindoor’: A Symbol of India’s Strength
PM Modi linked Operation Sindoor with cultural symbolism, explaining that sindoor has long represented devotion, feminine strength, and sacred duty in Indian tradition. He drew parallels from Hindu mythology, referring to Lord Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama, highlighting that sindoor also signifies sacrifice and service.
“Terrorists not only attacked innocents in Pahalgam but challenged the strength of Indian women. They sealed their fate when they did that,” he said.
He applauded the armed forces for the mission’s success, stating that they penetrated deep into enemy territory, destroyed terror infrastructure, and sent a strong global message.
“India will no longer tolerate proxy wars through terrorism,” Modi declared.
Women’s Empowerment in Focus
Throughout his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s legacy in uplifting women and preserving Indian heritage. He reiterated the government’s continued commitment to women-centric schemes, including Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, and the Women’s Reservation Bill.
The symbolic association of Indore Metro with women leaders and national defence is being seen as a powerful political message ahead of the Modi government’s 11th anniversary on June 9. Political analysts believe the move reflects BJP’s dual focus on development and national pride, especially in key states like Madhya Pradesh.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Indore Metro on Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti is more than a development milestone—it’s a celebration of India’s cultural pride, military strength, and women’s empowerment. With Operation Sindoor becoming both a military and symbolic highlight, the event reinforced Prime Minister Modi’s message that New India is strong, proud, and unafraid.