Gurugram (Balwinder Singh) — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday inaugurated the birth centenary celebrations of veteran Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal at Gurugram University, paying tribute to his central role in awakening national cultural consciousness and spearheading the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Addressing the gathering after touring a commemorative exhibition dedicated to Singhal’s life, the Chief Minister recalled how the leader relinquished personal career ambitions to dedicate his capabilities entirely to cultural unity, social cohesion, and nation-building.
Saini observed that Singhal’s organizational genius bridged the gap between religious scholars, saints, social activists, and ordinary citizens, transforming a regional cause into a nationwide cultural resurgence. Highlighting India’s foundational pluralism in languages, attire, and traditions, the Chief Minister remarked that cultural affinity remains the country’s defining strength. He noted that the former VHP patron’s life offers timeless lessons for contemporary youth, emphasizing dialogue, mutual trust, and selfless service over individual career pursuits.
Addressing the youth directly, the Chief Minister urged younger generations to actively reconnect with Indian knowledge traditions, indigenous languages, art, and heritage. He stressed that a deep comprehension of one’s foundational roots fosters genuine self-confidence and equips youth to engage the wider world constructively, remarking that only a tree with deep roots can reach great heights.
The Chief Minister called upon the Vishva Hindu Parishad and allied social organizations to anchor centenary year commemorations in concrete public service initiatives. He proposed prioritizing educational assistance for underprivileged students, blood donation drives, localized healthcare delivery, sustained tree plantation campaigns, and youth outreach programs against substance abuse, emphasizing that true cultural pride must be reflected through upright character, civic responsibility, and active community upliftment.
Speaking on the occasion, prominent spiritual leader Acharya Lokesh Muni reflected on Singhal’s vision, observing that the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya represents the realization of a monumental chapter of his life’s work. Muni added that taking forward Singhal’s aspirations concerning the cultural restoration of Mathura and Kashi remains the most fitting tribute to his memory.
The inaugural event drew prominent political and community figures, including Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Sohna MLA Tejpal Tanwar, Pataudi MLA Bimla Chaudhary, Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, Gurugram Municipal Corporation Mayor Rajrani Malhotra, VHP Central General Secretary Bajrang Lal Bagra, Gurugram University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sanjay Kaushik, and VHP State President Radheshyam Chilana.
