Massive Procession in Devri Marks Rani Avantibai Lodhi's Birth Anniversary, Emphasizing Education and Eradication of Social Evils

Rani Avantibai Lodhi's Birth Anniversary Celebrated in Devri

Devri, Sagar | August 23, 2026: The birth anniversary of Veerangana Rani Avantibai Lodhi was celebrated with grandeur in the town of Devri, Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. A massive procession was organized, drawing enthusiastic participation from community members and representatives of various social and political organizations.

The procession commenced from the High School premises, traversing the main thoroughfares of the town before culminating in a large public assembly at the Agricultural Produce Market grounds. Throughout the procession, tableaux depicting Veerangana Rani Avantibai Lodhi were greeted with showers of flowers and garlands at various points. Statues of other great personalities in the town were also garlanded as a mark of respect.

Emphasis on Education and Social Reform

The event began with the garlanding of Veerangana Rani Avantibai Lodhi's portrait and the lighting of a ceremonial lamp. The public assembly at the market grounds featured addresses by prominent speakers, including regional MP Rahul Singh Lodhi, State President of the Lodhi Kshatriya Samaj Jalam Singh Patel, and Banda MLA Birendra Singh Lodhi 'Lambaradar'.

MP Rahul Singh Lodhi highlighted efforts to eradicate social evils prevalent in the community. He noted that collective efforts in the Devri region are leading to a reduction in unnecessary expenses during events like the thirteenth-day mourning ceremonies. He urged the youth of the community to excel in education and business, striving to achieve their full potential.

Historical Tribute to Rani Avantibai Lodhi

Lodhi Kshatriya Samaj State President Jalam Singh Patel provided a detailed account of Veerangana Rani Avantibai Lodhi's historical life and her indomitable courage. He shared that Rani Avantibai was born on August 16, 1831, in Mankhedi village of Seoni district and was married to Prince Vikramaditya Singh Lodhi of Ramgarh state. In her husband's illness, she skillfully managed the responsibility of the Ramgarh state alongside the guardianship of her sons.

Patel further elaborated on Rani Avantibai's role in the 1857 freedom struggle. During this period, as the British government enforced colonial laws like the 'Doctrine of Lapse', Rani Avantibai strongly resisted. She formed a formidable army of approximately four thousand soldiers and ignited the flame of the freedom struggle against the British. She demonstrated exceptional bravery against the English army in a decisive battle near Khairi village in Mandla. Later, cornered by the British in the hills of Deogarh, she made the supreme sacrifice for the defense of her motherland on March 20, 1858.

Call to Adopt Ideals and Combat Social Ills

Former District Panchayat member and State President of the Lodhi Women's Wing, Tripti Lodhi, paid homage to Veerangana Rani Avantibai's courage, self-respect, and sacrifice. She urged the youth to internalize Rani Avantibai's ideals and convey them to society and the younger generation. She also stressed the importance of educating the community and freeing it from social evils like alcohol consumption.

Other speakers, including State Youth President Sarvajeet Singh Kanoni and Guddu Amoda, also shared their views. All speakers emphasized the need for collective efforts towards making the community educated, addiction-free, and well-organized. They called for the complete eradication of social malpractices.

The significant presence of community members underscored the success of the event. Local social workers, public representatives, and individuals from various communities provided crucial support in making the event a success. Prominent attendees included former District Panchayat member Trupti Singh Lodhi, Janpad member Birendra Lodhi Semrakhedi, Laxman Singh Lodhi Silarpur, Pritam Singh Lodhi, Indraraj Lodhi, Devri Block President of Lodhi Samaj Kamlesh Lodhi Khedi, Arvind Lodhi, Ankit Diwan, Rajendra Lodhi, Pushpendra Lodhi, Damodar Lodhi, Ratnesh Lodhi, Rahul Lodhi, Rajendra Lodhi Purena, Satyam Lodhi, and a large number of distinguished citizens and community members.