Udaipur, April 11, 2025 — Marking the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, a powerful theatrical performance titled ‘Punyashlok’ captivated audiences at the Darpan Auditorium, Shilpgram, under the banner of Mewar Talk Fest 3.1. Organized by Vishva Samvad Kendra in collaboration with the West Zone Cultural Centre, the play brought to life the enduring legacy of one of India’s most revered women leaders.
A Grand Theatrical Celebration of an Iconic Life
The performance opened with the spiritually charged “Omkara-Omkara” musical sequence and unfolded into a compelling narrative of Ahilyabai Holkar’s life — from her personal trials to her transformational contributions to society.
Conceptualized and staged by Mumbai-based performing arts collectives Sahaj Kalatmak Foundation, Pant Drama Forum, and Drama Drafting, the play was co-directed by N.K. Pant and Arun Shekhar. Through dynamic performances, the cast skillfully showcased how Ahilyabai’s courage, compassion, and clarity of vision made her a true ‘Punyashlok’ — a woman of sacred merit.
Standout performances included Preeti Jha as the Mother, Anand as the Elder, and Shashwat Srivastava who gave life to the character of a rebellious husband, adding emotional depth and realism to the story. The child actor portraying young Ahilyabai received special appreciation for her mature and moving portrayal.
Esteemed Guests Grace the Evening
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries and cultural patrons, including:
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Pawan Amaravat, Deputy Director (Programs), West Zone Cultural Centre
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Durgesh Chandwani, Assistant Director (Finance & Accounts)
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C.L. Salvi, Hemant Mehta, Siddhant Bhatnagar
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Veteran social leader Madanmohan Tank
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Dr. Kamlesh Sharma, ADG, Police Headquarters
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Development Officers Shailendra Khinchi (Badgaon & Mavli), Vikas Chhajed, Sunil Khatik, and others
The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony honoring all performers for their contribution to reviving historical narratives through art.
Legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar Lives On
Born in the 18th century, Ahilyabai Holkar remains a towering figure in Indian history. From leading one of India’s first all-women military units to reviving major temples across India, including Somnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Badrinath, and Maheshwar, her impact spans religious, social, and infrastructural spheres. She is remembered for promoting widow welfare, halting capital punishment, and empowering weavers and artisans — making Maheshwari textiles a global name.
Upcoming: Literary Dialogue on Hanuman’s Wisdom
As part of the ongoing Mewar Talk Fest 3.1, Vishva Samvad Kendra will host ‘Hanu Pragya Prabandhan’, a literary dialogue on April 13, at Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi Auditorium, Udaipur. The session will explore:
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‘Mahabharat ke Hanuman’ by Anshu Harsh
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‘Vartaman Mein Hanuman’ by Chandresh Taylor
Moderated by Kapil Paliwal, the event will also feature:
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Live sketching by Urban Sketchers, led by Sunil Laddha
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Vocal performance by Siddharth Rao
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Book exhibition featuring literature on Hanuman and Indian philosophy
This cultural continuum reflects the growing role of Udaipur as a center for intellectual and spiritual discourse, bridging tradition with modern artistic expressions.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
