Ashok Singhal birth centenary: PM Modi recalls VHP leader’s legacy

September 27 marked the birth centenary of Shri Ashok Singhal-ji, a VHP leader whose legacy encompassed spiritual pursuits, cultural awakening, and extensive organizational work. An unmatched personality, Ashok-ji embodied the spirit of selflessly dedicating one's life to uplift others, a value deeply ingrained since his early years.

Born into an illustrious family, Ashok-ji's father, Shri Mahavir-ji, was a respected administrator, and his brothers also achieved success in respective fields. However, from a young age, Ashok-ji gravitated towards the revival of Bharat and enhancing the glory of Maa Bharti's children.

Growing up in Prayagraj, Ashok-ji found inspiration in the river Sangam, where he would spend hours observing the interactions between saints, seers, and devotees. This fascination, along with his cultural heritage, led him to join the RSS, where he embraced every responsibility with dedication and discipline. Renowned for his powerful oratory skills and simplicity, Ashok-ji inspired those around him with his compassion and care for fellow karyakartas.

His influence extended to notable events like the 1993 Vishwa Hindu Parishad convention in the US and the 2000 World Hindu Conference in Trinidad and Tobago.

Most notably, Ashok-ji played a pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement, delivering a powerful address at the 1991 Boat Club Rally. His unwavering belief in social harmony and equality prompted him to lay the foundation of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, with Shri Kameshwar Choupal-ji, a grassroots VHP karyakarta from Bihar, as the first to lay the first brick.

Ashok-ji's contributions transcended national boundaries, as he passionately advocated for education, particularly Vedic education, and music. As his MP from Varanasi, one is proud of the role Kashi, his birthplace, played in nurturing his remarkable character.