New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Ashok Singhal on the occasion of his birth centenary, recalling his spiritual commitment, simplicity, organisational dedication and efforts towards strengthening social unity.
In a post on X, PM Modi described Singhal as a person who was “firm in conviction and remarkable in his simplicity” and said he combined spiritual commitment with tireless organisational work and an unwavering dedication to social unity. The Prime Minister also shared an article reflecting on Singhal’s life, thoughts and contribution to society.
Beginning his tribute with a verse describing the selfless nature of trees and rivers, PM Modi said the lives of saints and seers acquire greater meaning when devoted to the welfare of others. He said this spirit was consistently reflected in the life of Singhal.
“Starting 27th September, we mark his birth centenary to celebrate an outstanding personality who brought together spiritual pursuit, cultural awakening and decades of dedicated organisational work,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister recalled his long association with Singhal and said he had numerous opportunities to interact with him and receive his affection. He remembered receiving a handwritten letter from Singhal in 1981, when Modi was a young RSS worker carrying out organisational responsibilities.
PM Modi said Singhal worked day and night for several decades and travelled extensively, including to remote and difficult-to-reach areas. He recalled Singhal’s particular interest in tribal areas of Gujarat and his concern for people living on the margins of society.
PM Modi also recalled Singhal’s role during natural disasters, saying he was either among the first to reach affected areas himself or guided organisational workers in relief efforts. The Prime Minister described his own experience of working with Singhal in the aftermath of the 2001 Kutch earthquake as unforgettable.
Early influence and association with the RSS
PM Modi said Singhal came from an illustrious and prosperous family but was drawn from an early age towards the revival of India and the welfare of its people.
Singhal grew up in Prayagraj, where he would spend time on the banks of the Sangam. PM Modi said his interactions with saints, seers and devotees there helped nurture his understanding of India’s cultural ethos and strengthened his resolve to work for society.
“This desire to live for others drew him to the RSS,” PM Modi said, adding that Singhal embraced every responsibility with enthusiasm, discipline and a strong sense of duty.
The Prime Minister described Singhal as a person who nurtured institutions and movements through persistence and hard work. He also highlighted his powerful voice and oratory, as well as his concern for fellow organisational workers.
PM Modi recalled Singhal’s deep association with the Sant Samaj and said he commanded respect among saints and seers across the country, who valued his counsel.
International Hindu conferences
Recalling Singhal’s organisational abilities, PM Modi cited two instances that, in his view, reflected his leadership.
The first was the 1993 Vishwa Hindu Parishad convention in the United States, organised to mark the centenary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic Chicago address. PM Modi said the vision of organising the conference overseas, its planning and the effort to bring together diverse stakeholders demonstrated Singhal’s organisational abilities.
The second was the World Hindu Conference held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in 2000. PM Modi recalled seeing Singhal’s presence generate enthusiasm among delegates and remembered his words of appreciation following Modi’s own address.
Role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement
PM Modi also highlighted Singhal’s role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, recalling his address at the Boat Club Rally in 1991 and the image of Singhal injured and bleeding during the movement.
“Today, if there is a grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, it is because of stalwarts like him who selflessly immersed themselves in the effort to make it possible,” PM Modi said, adding that Singhal would have been extremely happy to see the Ram Mandir taking shape in Ayodhya.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Singhal’s emphasis on social harmony, brotherhood and equality. He said Singhal believed that there should be no distinction of any kind in society and that every individual deserved equal dignity and respect.
PM Modi recalled Singhal’s role in deciding that the first brick for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya would be laid by Kameshwar Choupal, a grassroots VHP worker from Bihar who belonged to a marginalised section of society. He also recalled Singhal’s decision to honour the Dom Raja at a Dharm Sansad in Kashi and his subsequent engagement with him in community initiatives.
Education and music close to his heart
Beyond organisational and nation-building activities, PM Modi said two areas remained particularly close to Singhal’s heart – education, especially Vedic education, and music.
Recalling Singhal’s connection with Varanasi, PM Modi noted that Singhal had studied at Banaras Hindu University and was known as a good student. He also highlighted his association with the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative, which worked to provide basic education in remote villages, particularly among tribal communities.
PM Modi described Singhal as a voracious reader and a good listener who encouraged younger organisational workers to read extensively.
The Prime Minister also recalled Singhal’s musical abilities. He said Singhal would sing the Ekal Geet during meetings in Nagpur, captivating those present and setting the tone for the proceedings.
PM Modi further recalled a video from Singhal’s 90th birthday celebrations in 2015 in which he surprised those present by singing “हे मातृभूमि मेरी, हे पितृभूमि मेरी”. The video subsequently went viral.
Concluding his tribute, PM Modi called upon people to use Singhal’s birth centenary to ensure that more young people learn about his life and contribution.
“On his birth centenary, let us ensure that more youngsters know about his greatness. And let us renew our pledge to realise his dreams for our nation and our people,” the Prime Minister said.
[DD News]