PM Modi Pays Tribute to Ashok Singhal on His Birth Centenary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international working president Ashok Singhal on his birth centenary. In an OpEd, Mr. Modi described Mr. Singhal as an 'organisational genius' and recalled his 'pivotal role' in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Mr. Modi recalled his many interactions with Mr. Singhal, who was born on September 27, 1926, and passed away on November 17, 2015. He wrote about Mr. Singhal both as a person as well as an administrator, highlighting his ability to energise youth and his dedication to helping those on the margins of society.
Mr. Modi also wrote about Mr. Singhal's role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, citing his address at the Boat Club Rally in 1991 and the defining image of an injured and bleeding Ashok Ji at the peak of the movement. He noted that Mr. Singhal's beliefs that our society needs to be harmonious and that the message of brotherhood has to be reaffirmed were clearly visible.
Ashok Singhal's Organisational Skill
Mr. Modi highlighted Mr. Singhal's organisational skill, citing two instances that 'brought out the legendary persona' of Mr. Singhal. The first was during a convention in the U.S. organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in 1993 to mark 100 years since Swami Vivekananda's Chicago address. The second was the World Hindu Conference in 2000 organised in Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago.
Mr. Modi recalled how Mr. Singhal's presence ignited so much enthusiasm among other delegates, and how his encouragement filled every Karyakarta with so much energy. He also noted that Mr. Singhal's thought that the first brick of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya would be laid by Shri Kameshwar Choupal Ji, a grassroots VHP Karyakarta from Bihar who hailed from the marginalised sections of society.
Ashok Singhal's Legacy
Mr. Modi expressed hope that more youngsters would learn about Mr. Singhal on his birth centenary, and called for a renewed pledge to 'realise his dreams for our nation and our people'. He noted that Mr. Singhal's legacy continues to inspire and motivate people to work towards a harmonious and prosperous society.
Mr. Modi's tribute to Mr. Singhal is a testament to the latter's enduring impact on Indian society and politics. As the nation celebrates Mr. Singhal's birth centenary, it is a fitting tribute to his organisational genius and his pivotal role in shaping the country's history.
