Amit Shah Inaugurates Birth Centenary Year of Former VHP President Ashok Singhal

Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah addressed the inauguration ceremony of the birth centenary year of the former International President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Ashok Singhal, held in New Delhi. The event was attended by several dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah stated that the life of Ashok Singhal was a confluence of sacrifice, simplicity, outstanding patriotism, devotion to religion, and struggle. He noted that Ashok Singhal excelled at every stage of his journey—from being a student, volunteer, and pracharak to becoming the International President of the VHP—and lived a life dedicated to Hindutva until his final breath. Mr. Shah mentioned that despite being born into a wealthy family, Ashok Singhal lived in a small room at the VHP office for 20 years, which serves as an inspiration for workers today.

The Home Minister highlighted that Ashok Singhal held deep respect for Hinduism, the Vedas, Upanishads, Sanskrit, and the tradition of saints. He believed that the propagation of Hinduism was essential because it concerns the welfare of the entire universe. Mr. Shah added that the Ram Janmabhoomi movement was an integral part of Ashok Singhal's life. He held a firm belief that India's glorious position in the world would only be possible once the marks of the era of slavery were erased and a grand Ram Temple was constructed. He also recalled the struggles and the police lathi-charges endured by Ashok Singhal during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

Amit Shah emphasized that when a society forgets its heroes, an ideological vacuum is created, leading the youth to search for their ideals in foreign civilizations; therefore, celebrating the birth centenary of Ashok Singhal is extremely important. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the direction of governments changed after 2014, and the grand temple of Lord Shri Ram was constructed without shedding blood, which is a matter of satisfaction for Ram devotees worldwide.

On this occasion, 11 Shri Ram pillars were also digitally inaugurated. Amit Shah stated that these pillars would continue to convey the virtues of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram and the message of his path to exile to future generations. The program also featured presentations on various service projects, including worship at the Ravidas and Valmiki temples, Ganga Aarti in Prayagraj, Ganga conservation, service to cows, the memory of the Ram Setu movement, and the donation of artificial limbs in Ayodhya.