Content:
- India Lights Up India Gate to Mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025
- Devi Ahilyabai Holkar: A Visionary Leader Who Embodied Strength and Compassion – Prof. Uma Vaidya
India Lights Up India Gate to Mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025
Context
- India illuminated the India Gate in purple and orange to mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day 2025.
- The event, led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), is part of a global initiative to raise awareness about NTDs.
- The focus was on Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), two major NTDs affecting India.
Relevance : GS 2 (Health )
Significance of the Initiative
- Symbolism: Lighting up India Gate aligns with the global movement to highlight the urgency of tackling NTDs.
- Commitment: It reaffirms India’s dedication to eliminating NTDs through policy measures, community engagement, and medical interventions.
- Public Awareness: The event included a nukkad natak (street play) to engage the public and encourage participation in health programs like Mass Drug Administration (MDA).
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Focus
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)
- Also known as elephantiasis, LF is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease.
- Threat in India: Affects 404 million people.
- Impact: Causes chronic disability, stigma, and economic burden.
- Intervention: Triple-drug therapy (IDA – Ivermectin, DEC, Albendazole) under the National Filaria Control Programme (NFCP).
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) – Kala-Azar
- A fatal disease caused by the parasite Leishmania donovani, transmitted by sandflies.
- Current Status in India: At the verge of elimination, but still poses a challenge in endemic states.
- Impact: Causes severe debility, malnutrition, and economic loss.
- Intervention: Kala-Azar Elimination Programme, strengthened vector control and early case detection.
Policy Measures and Achievements
- National Health Mission (NHM): Strengthens access to treatment and prevention of NTDs.
- Mass Drug Administration (MDA): Key strategy for LF elimination.
- Vector Control Measures: Essential in combating both LF and VL.
- Community Mobilization: Engaging local populations in health programs.
- Global Collaboration: Aligning with WHO’s 2030 Roadmap for NTDs.
Challenges in NTD Elimination
- Low Awareness & Stigma: Many affected individuals do not seek timely treatment due to social stigma.
- Healthcare Access: Rural populations may lack access to treatment and prevention programs.
- Vector Control: Managing mosquito and sandfly populations is a continuous challenge.
- Compliance with MDA Programs: Ensuring full participation in mass drug administration rounds.
Way Forward
- Sustained Public Engagement: Events like nukkad natak help educate communities.
- Strengthening Primary Healthcare: Expanding outreach to vulnerable populations.
- Surveillance & Rapid Response: Strengthening early detection and treatment networks.
- Multi-Sectoral Approach: Collaboration with NGOs, research institutions, and international agencies.
- Monitoring Progress: Using data-driven approaches to track elimination efforts.
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar: A Visionary Leader Who Embodied Strength and Compassion – Prof. Uma Vaidya
Context
- The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), in collaboration with the Lokmata Ahilyabai Trishatabdi Samaroh Samiti, organized a special lecture titled ‘Devi Ahilya – Empress Renunciate’ to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.
Relevance : GS 1(History ), GS 4(Leadership )
Significance of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s Leadership
Political and Administrative Vision
- Strategic Leadership: Ahilyabai governed Malwa (Holkar dynasty, 1767–1795) with wisdom, diplomacy, and military acumen, ensuring stability during a turbulent period.
- Resistance to External Threats: When Raghoba (Raghunathrao, Peshwa faction leader) attempted to seize Indore, she displayed foresight and military strategy, safeguarding her kingdom.
- Decentralized Administration: Focused on local governance, empowered administrators, and ensured justice delivery at the grassroots level.
Economic Reforms
- Prosperous Agrarian Economy: Encouraged irrigation projects, land reforms, and fair taxation policies, supporting farmers and artisans.
- Trade and Commerce: Promoted trade routes and markets, strengthening Malwa’s economy.
- Public Infrastructure: Built ghats, wells, roads, and dharamshalas, promoting trade and ease of living.
Social and Cultural Renaissance
- Empowerment of Women: Stood against Sati, encouraged women’s education, and supported widows.
- Temple Reconstruction Movement: Revived several Hindu temples, including Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi), Somnath (Gujarat), and Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain), despite opposition from external forces.
- Syncretic Approach: Respected all faiths, ensuring religious harmony.
Spiritual and Ethical Leadership
- Renunciate Empress: Unlike rulers who pursued power for personal gain, Ahilyabai practiced renunciation (tyaga) while governing for the people’s welfare.
- Title of ‘Lokmata’ (Mother of the People): Her maternal governance earned her the love and respect of her people.
- Balance of Dharma and Rajdharma: Ruling with compassion and righteousness, setting an example for ethical leadership.
Key Takeaways :
- Devi Ahilyabai’s name (‘Ahalya’) symbolizes purity and strength, resonating with her leadership style.
- Her legacy transcends time, inspiring leaders in governance, gender empowerment, and nation-building.
- The 300th birth anniversary celebrations highlight her contributions to Indian civilization and public administration.
Challenges During Her Reign
Challenges Faced
- Political instability due to Maratha conflicts and external invasions.
- Patriarchal resistance to a female ruler in a male-dominated society.
- Religious intolerance and destruction of temples, which she sought to rebuild.
Relevance Today
- Women in Leadership: She remains a role model for women empowerment in governance.
- Good Governance Model: Her ethical, decentralized, and welfare-driven governance is an inspiration for modern public administration.
- Cultural Preservation: Her efforts in temple restoration and cultural revival underscore the importance of heritage conservation.
Conclusion
- Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s rule exemplifies the perfect blend of power, humility, and service.
- Her administrative model, social reforms, and spiritual leadership remain highly relevant in contemporary governance.
