Celebrating Resilient Mothers: Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Matru Naman Program in Shimla

Honoring Mothers at Gaiety Theatre

Shimla
The Shyamla Educational and Social Welfare Trust hosted the Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Matru Naman Program at Gaiety Theatre, recognizing mothers who have made significant sacrifices to nurture their children and support their achievements.

This special event honored 25 mothers from Himachal Pradesh for their unwavering dedication and strength. The program commenced with a welcoming speech from Trust President Suraj Jamalta, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Secretary Isha Sharma.

Professor Nitin Vyas, the Trust Patron, emphasized the event's significance, stating that no success is attainable without the influence of mothers. He recounted stories of women who worked tirelessly, often sacrificing their own needs to ensure their children had access to education and opportunities. “While the world celebrates heroes, we must also honor those who raise them,” he remarked.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, along with prominent journalist Rubika Liyaquat, attended the event. Rubika expressed her deep emotional connection to the stories shared, stating, “Every mother has a tale of sacrifice. While the world recognizes heroes, Shyamla Trust has chosen to celebrate the mothers who shape them.”

Recognized Mothers and Their Achievements

Honored Mothers

Among those recognized were:

• Sunita Thakur, mother of Indian women’s cricket team fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur.


• Gaura Devi, mother of cricketer Sushma Verma.


• Naro Devi, mother of kabaddi player Champa Thakur.


• Kirna Devi, aunt of little Nitika, who tragically lost her family this year.


• Pushpa Pathania, mother of TV actress Shivya Pathania.


• Rajeshwari Devi, mother of Mayank, who faced numerous challenges to educate her son.


• Poonam Gehlot, mother of shooting star Elisa Batta.


• Dr. Rita Vashisth, senior legal expert and Secretary in the Government of India.


• Dr. Muskan Kumari, the state’s first visually impaired PhD holder.


• Major Dr. Ritu Kalra, a dentist serving in Shimla.


• Dr. Ravindra Banshtu, volleyball player, coach, and sports scientist.


• Shakuntala Devi, Gram Panchayat Pradhan and former kabaddi player.


• Taruna Mishra, activist, artist, and director focused on women’s empowerment and environmental issues.


• Prerna Kanwar, entrepreneur (Yolo Travels).


• Kanika Atreta, artisan preserving Himachali metalwork and embroidery.


• Sunita Baig, founder of a manufacturing unit and long-time coordinator in the Industries Department.


• Mrs. Kalpana, who continued to support her family after her husband’s passing, despite her daughter’s challenges.


• Neelam Verma, a successful entrepreneur in the cottage industry.


• Neeta Pandey and Shakuntala Pandey, leaders of Rishika Self-Help Group.


• Asha Sharma, granddaughter of freedom fighter and former MLA Pandit Sita Ram Sharma, who overcame significant obstacles.


• Soma Devi, who raised her children alone after her husband’s death, helping her son become an SBI manager, and remains self-sufficient at 80.

The event celebrated the unyielding spirit of mothers whose sacrifices have led to success in various fields, including sports, education, arts, entrepreneurship, and social service. The program concluded with heartfelt tributes and collective appreciation for these remarkable women, reinforcing the belief that mothers are the true architects of society.