Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today addressed the inaugural ceremony of the centenary year celebrations organised in New Delhi to commemorate the birth anniversary of former President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Ashok Singhal. Several dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that it is a matter of pride for all of us to be present here for the inauguration of the centenary celebrations of the revered Ashok Ji. He said that Ashok Ji was born a hundred years ago and remained exemplary at every stage of his life. As a student, he excelled; as a Swayamsevak, he excelled; and as a Pracharak, he continued to distinguish himself. When he was entrusted with the responsibility of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, he continued to lead a life devoted to Hindutva with unwavering dedication until his last breath and succeeded in his mission. Such personalities are rarely seen. Shri Shah said that simplicity, exemplary patriotism, devotion to Dharma, commitment to the Swayamsevak ideal and a spirit of struggle—all these qualities were embodied together in Ashok Ji’s life. He was born into a highly prestigious and affluent family. Despite being born into such a family, he remained steadfastly simple in his way of life, the result of which is before us today. He said that we have witnessed the construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, for which the entire Hindu society had been making sacrifices, struggling and coming together for the moment that had been awaited for five and a half centuries. He said that the room at the VHP, where Ashok Ji spent twenty years of his life, has today become almost like an exhibition space for workers. To live with such simplicity and uphold such exemplary patriotism is truly rare.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that even at an advanced age, Ashok Ji would work for sixteen hours a day. His sole source of inspiration was exemplary patriotism. Ashok Ji held immense respect for Hindu Dharma, the Vedas, the Upanishads, Sanskrit, Indian culture and the tradition of saints. Throughout his life, he maintained a deep sense of reverence for all these. He believed that if anyone or anything could contribute to the welfare of the entire universe, it was Hindu Dharma, the Vedas and the Upanishads. Citing the Shanti Mantra as an example, he explained that the objective of enhancing the stature of Hindu Dharma and establishing it in the world was not because we are Hindus, but because Hindu Dharma envisions the welfare of the entire universe. He had said that Guru Golwalkar Ji’s words were that the foundation of our work could only be selfless and pure love, and nothing else. Such an exalted personality remained a Swayamsevak throughout his life. Ashok Ji faithfully followed every discipline of the life of a Pracharak, without seeking glorification or publicity.
Shri Amit Shah said that when it comes to struggle, Ashok Ji is known to everyone for his spirit of struggle. The Ram Janmabhoomi movement was deeply embedded in his heart and mind. He firmly believed that India could attain a position of glory and prestige in the world only by removing the stigma of slavery and constructing a grand Ram Temple. He devoted his entire life to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Shri Shah said that when the then Government of Uttar Pradesh ordered a brutal lathi charge, Ashok Ji reached the frontline in disguise. He was also injured in the lathi charge. He said that the image of Ashok Ji wiping blood from his face with a gamchha should remain etched in the memory of the youth for a hundred years. What true dedication means is evident from Ashok Ji’s life and deeds.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the institution of saints, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the construction of the temple and the Sangh were among the subjects closest to Ashok Ji’s heart. He always spoke openly about these causes and worked to advance them. All these institutions and causes became synonymous with his identity. He himself was an institution. Ashok Ji’s life is an institution in itself for many adolescents and young people. He expressed confidence that the celebration of Ashok Ji’s birth centenary would make him a source of inspiration for many young people and adolescents throughout their lives. The essence of his life, his penance, his simplicity and his dedication and endeavour are qualities worthy of emulation by every young person. The remembrance of his life will naturally continue to awaken and inspire the youth.
Shri Amit Shah said that there was no distinction between Ashok Ji’s personal and public life. He had imbibed the ideal of living for the nation and merged his personal life completely with this principle. He accepted organisational work as a form of spiritual practice. He said that merely remembering Ashok Ji’s name is not the purpose of the programme. The centenary year is an endeavour to take his qualities to every household, particularly to the youth. Some people ask why there is a need to celebrate the birth centenary of someone who never sought publicity. I would humbly say that gratitude is not merely a sentiment; it is a national necessity. The birth centenary is necessary so that the entire country and Hindus across the world can express their gratitude to Ashok Ji. When a nation and society do not remember their heroes and fail to take their lives and teachings to the youth, an ideological vacuum emerges. There are no ideals to look up to, no direction to follow and no source of inspiration. People then begin looking for ideals in civilisations thousands of kilometres away. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that an ideological vacuum does not arise in society, that worthy ideals are placed before the people, and that the life of Ashok Ji provides direction and inspiration. This is why celebrating his birth centenary is extremely important.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that today we witnessed presentations of various service initiatives that embody the essence of Hindutva, including prayers at the temples of Sant Ravidas Ji and Maharishi Valmiki Ji, the Ganga Aarti in Prayagraj, Ganga conservation, service to Gaumata, the commemoration of the Ram Setu movement, and the donation of artificial limbs in Ayodhya. The digital inauguration of 11 Shri Ram Stambhs was also held. These pillars commemorate the route taken by Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram during his exile. Without uttering a word, these pillars will convey to generations to come the message of the Ram Van Gaman Path and the virtues of Shri Ram.
Shri Amit Shah said that there is a sense of regret that Ashok Ji, who had dedicated himself to the struggle for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, could not witness the Bhoomi Pujan or see the temple completed. However, he never worked with the objective of witnessing the fulfilment of his efforts in his own lifetime. He would always say that this was a struggle spanning generations. He said that countless people would fight, several generations would pass, and only then would victory be achieved. He said that wherever Ashok Ji’s soul may be, it must be experiencing that the transformation that came about in the country in 2014 changed the direction of governance. After Prime Minister Modi came to office, the governmental obstacles were removed within just five years, and the grand temple of Prabhu Shri Ram was constructed without bloodshed. He said that this is not only a matter of peace and satisfaction for the country, but also for all devotees of Shri Ram across the world.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that he shares Ashok Ji’s faith that the construction of the Ram Temple would open a new path for India’s progress. He said that our ideas, our culture, our Dharma and its virtues would reach people across the world. He said that Ashok Ji believed that one should remain committed to Hindutva because the welfare of the entire universe is possible only on the basis of the ideals of Hindutva. He expressed the hope that the youth of the country would continue to draw values and inspiration from Ashok Ji’s personality, life, contributions and words for generations to come.