Ahilyabai Holkar's statue in Parliament Library building

New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) A bronze statue of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the 18th century ruler of Malwa, was today installed in the Parliament Library building.

The 75 1/2 inch statue, carved by sculptor Shashikant Varke, was donated by Mrs Sumitra Mahajan, MP, on behalf of Ahilyotsav Samiti, Indore.

The statue was unveiled by Vice-Presiednt Bhairon Singh Shekhawat in presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who later presented a shawl to the sculptor as a mark of respect.

Floral tributes were paid to Ahilyabai by the dignitaries which included UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and BJP leader L K Advani.

Lok Sabha Secretary General P D T Achary and his Rajya Sabha counterpart Yogendra Narain were also present.

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