VHP Marks Ashok Singhal’s Birth Centenary With Sambhal Programme

Jai Shri Ram slogans echoed in Sambhal as a grand programme was organised on 27 September to mark the birth centenary, or 100th birth anniversary, of revered Ashok Singhal, former international president and patron of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

The event was held on Saturday in the Bhale Bhajkhan area of Sarai Tarin. It included a Sundarkand recitation, a tribute meeting and discussions on expanding the organisation.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad district coordinator Deepa Varshney was present as the main organisational representative at the programme. She garlanded the portrait of Ashok Singhal and paid an emotional tribute to him.

The programme began in a devotional atmosphere with the recitation of Sundarkand. Hundreds of devotees, mothers and sisters, along with VHP workers, took part in the melodious recitation. During the event, prayers were offered for world peace and social welfare.

After the Sundarkand recitation, a meeting was held in which district coordinator Deepa Varshney spoke about the life of Ashok Singhal. Referring to his work and role in public life, she said, "अशोक सिंघल ने अपना संपूर्ण जीवन सनातन धर्म की रक्षा और हिंदू समाज को एकजुट करने में लगा दिया।

श्रीराम जन्मभूमि आंदोलन में उनकी निर्णायक भूमिका को देश कभी नहीं भूल सकता। उनका जीवन हम सभी कार्यकर्ताओं के लिए प्रेरणा है।"

The meeting also focused on strengthening the organisation up to the booth and village level. Detailed discussions were held on upcoming action plans and on taking Ashok Singhal’s ideas to every household.

Workers were urged to take an active part in programmes connected with social harmony. The discussion also centred on how the organisation could be expanded further in the area while keeping Ashok Singhal’s life and thoughts as an inspiration for workers.

Several respected citizens from the area, office-bearers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and a large number of local women were present on the occasion.