Ahilyabai Holkar Mahila Samman Samaroh, Shimla

Описание: Shyamla trust honours 25 mothers at Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Matru Naman Program
December 24, 2025
Shyamla Educational and Social Welfare Trust organised the Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Matru Naman Program at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla, to honour mothers who have struggled and sacrificed to raise their children and help them achieve success.
In this unique initiative, 25 mothers from Himachal Pradesh were felicitated for their dedication and resilience. The program began with a welcome address by Trust President Suraj Jamalta, followed by a vote of thanks from Secretary Isha Sharma.
Trust Patron Professor Nitin Vyas outlined the purpose of the event, stating that no achievement in life is possible without mothers. He shared stories of women who worked double shifts, ate less, yet ensured their children received education and opportunities. “The world honors heroes, but we must honour those who create heroes,” he said.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and renowned journalist Rubika Liyaquat graced the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Rubika Liyaquat said she was deeply moved by the stories of struggle. “Every mother has a story of sacrifice. The world celebrates heroes, but Shyamla Trust has celebrated the mothers who shape them,” she remarked.
Honoured Mothers
Among those felicitated 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 lost her family in a tragedy this year.
• Pushpa Pathania, mother of TV actress Shivya Pathania.
• Rajeshwari Devi, mother of Mayank, who overcame hardships 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 100% visually impaired PhD holder.
• Major Dr. Ritu Kalra, serving as a dentist 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 working for women’s empowerment and environment.
• 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 supporting her family after her husband’s death despite her daughter’s challenges.
• Neelam Verma, successful entrepreneur in 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 severe challenges.
• Soma Devi, who raised her children single-handedly after her husband’s death, making her son an SBI manager, and remains self-reliant at 80.