The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), heralded as the most expansive student organisation globally, champions character building as the cornerstone of its educational ethos. This organisation has been instrumental in sculpting modern India’s landscape post-independence, fueled by the rich tapestry of the nation’s cultural heritage. ABVP’s commitment to fostering national solidarity and individual empowerment spans a broad spectrum of areas, including academic excellence, the cultivation of moral principles, the arts and theatre, environmental advocacy, community outreach, promoting societal harmony, effecting transformative social changes, and engaging in the political sphere. In India, which boasts the largest youth demographic worldwide, the extensive influence and reach of such a dynamic student body are crucial and command significant prominence.
On July 9, 1949, driven by a vision of national integration, cultural rejuvenation, and political organization, a group of enthusiastic students and educators established the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Under the leadership of Yashwant Rao Kelkar, the organization experienced rapid growth, emerging as a formidable entity. Anchored in the foundational values of knowledge, character, and unity, the ABVP has risen to become the largest student organisation globally, representing a broad spectrum of human emotions and fostering national consciousness. Recognised as a premier institution for providing employment-focused and value-based education, the ABVP’s impact is widespread, touching the lives of students from varied communities, geographical areas, language groups, and economic backgrounds throughout India.
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) hosted a Grand National convention in Delhi from December 7-10, drawing the participation of over 10,000 student representatives from across India. This convention of the ABVP is distinguished as a unique and respected platform, encouraging dialogue, artistic creativity, and innovation, with a focus on revitalizing and reconstructing education, society, and the nation. The events represents a priceless opportunity for the youth of India to come together, engage in meaningful interaction, and collaborate, thereby offering a stage where they can merge their collective strengths and visions for the future.
The Amrit Mahotsav convention stood as a historic milestone, remarkable for its innovative design and thematic concept. It marked a significant chapter in the annals of history, serving as an extraordinary and unparalleled catalyst for the awakening of Indian consciousness and the rejuvenation of national spirit. This event was a profound celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage and astute political acumen, embodying the essence of ‘unity in diversity’ in its fullest expression. The venue, transformed into a magnificent and elaborate tent city named Indraprastha Nagar, mirrored the grandeur of the ancient capital of the Pandavas, skillfully fusing modern elements with traditional Indian heritage. This immersive environment offered students and participants a vibrant glimpse into the continuous and evolving narrative of India as a nation.
The central auditorium of Indraprastha Nagar was aptly named in tribute to the late Madan Das Devi, a respected national organiser and prominent luminary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. Furthermore, the entrances to the residential quarters were named after esteemed historical personalities – Maharaja Surajmal and Emperor Mihir Bhoj, infusing the venue with an additional dimension of historical resonance and significance.
This majestic convention showcased the remarkable Dattaji Didolkar Exhibition, which featured the theme ‘Vishwa Guru Bharat’ alongside other significant historical narratives. As a tribute to the ABVP’s notable 75-year legacy and the valour of India’s legendary heroes and heroines, the convention space was adorned with eight strategically positioned statues. These statues commemorated illustrious figures such as Maharana Pratap, Maharaja Surajmal, Emperor Mihir Bhoj, Queen Durgavati, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Prithviraj Chauhan, Dattaji Didolkar, and Madan Das Devi. This ensemble of statues not only honoured these iconic personalities but also served as a powerful testament to India’s rich heritage and the resilient spirit of its people.
Before this grand congregation, a targeted campaign for fundraising was initiated, successfully enabling the realisation of this grandiose event through donations generously provided by various segments of the community. The financial contributions, coming from a diverse group comprising students, professors, parents, shopkeepers, and homemakers, reflected the deep trust and esteem this organisation commands within society. Amidst the chilly December climate, the complex logistics of arranging accommodation, catering, and transportation for an estimated ten to twelve thousand students from across India and overseas were adeptly managed by the dedicated workers of the Delhi region. The orchestration of these logistical details by these committed workers was so outstanding and efficient that it established a high standard of excellence, rivalling that of even the most prestigious event management companies.
Addressing India’s critical environmental challenges related to waste management and disposal, a ‘Zero Food Waste Policy’ was carefully enacted, guided by the principle, ‘Take only as much on your plate as to avoid waste in the drain’. This policy aimed to minimise wastage and foster environmental awareness. Moreover, in a conscious effort to enhance sustainability, the event organisers made a deliberate decision to refrain from using plastic, reinforcing their commitment to environmental stewardship.
The convention was further enhanced by an array of pre-event internship programs and educational tours, adding depth and diversity to the experience. Notable among these were the innovative ‘Kabadd Se Jugaad’ (Waste Recycle Model), the artistic ‘Bhitti Chitravali’ (Graffiti), the insightful ‘Northeast Study Tour’, and the historically rich ‘Hindavi Swaraj Tour’. Particularly noteworthy was the Bhitti Chitravali, a collaborative project between the Delhi University Students’ Union and the National Art Platform, which received widespread acclaim. This initiative brilliantly showcased themes that honoured the legacies of eminent Indian leaders like Rani Lakshmibai and Swami Vivekananda, while also capturing the captivating beauty, historical richness, iconic monuments, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine of Delhi.
The Dattaji Didolkar Exhibition, centred around the theme “Vishwa Guru Bharat” or “India as a World Leader,” was an exceptional endeavour by the National Art Platform to depict India’s glorious history. Augmented by a painting internship, the exhibition attracted the eager participation of hundreds of students from prestigious institutions across the country. These emerging artists showcased their skills through captivating paintings that narrated stories of India’s rich tapestry, including the nation’s valiant fight for independence, the spirit of national unity, the commemoration of the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Hindavi Swaraj, and the ABVP’s remarkable 75-year legacy.
On December 9, the third day of the national convention, a grand procession unfolded, extending from Indraprastha Nagar to Delhi University. Participants from diverse Indian states and from abroad, adorned in their traditional attires, paraded, offering a resplendent display of India’s rich cultural diversity and splendour. This procession manifested as a dynamic tapestry, celebrating India’s rich and varied heritage.
In keeping with an annual tradition that honours the legacy of Prof. Yashwant Rao Kelkar, the ABVP acknowledges young individuals under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions in fields such as social welfare, education, science, and technology. This year’s accolades were awarded to Sharad Vivek Sagar from Patna, Bihar, recognised for his dedicated efforts in enabling disadvantaged Indian youth to attain global educational standards; Laharibai Padiya from Dindori, Madhya Pradesh, celebrated for her dedication to the conservation and enhancement of food resources; and Dr. Vaibhav Bhandari from Pali, Rajasthan, commended for his work in improving the quality of life for the differently-abled with dignity and excellence.
Former activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), committed to nation-building. The recent assembly elections in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram have been a landmark event, especially noting that politicians who rose to the position of Chief Minister in four of these states are former members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Notably, Mohan Yadav from Madhya Pradesh, Vishnudev Sai from Chhattisgarh, Bhajan Lal Sharma from Rajasthan, and Revanth Reddy from Telangana, all initiated their foray into public service as part of the ABVP.
Cultivated within the nurturing environment of the world’s largest student organisation, these leaders have honed distinctive traits of diligence, competence, and social savvy, helping them establish a unique presence in the realm of public service. Their rise to significant positions, bolstered by principles of simplicity, integrity, and organisational prowess instilled during their time with the ABVP, is a testament to their notable impact and contributions in the sphere of public life.
Today, former ABVP activists hold influential positions across various sectors of public life. This includes numerous Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, Governors, Vice-Chancellors, and thousands of senior officers in esteemed central services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS). These individuals have played pivotal roles in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscapes. Eminent figures renowned for their administrative expertise and effective governance include Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of Road Transport and Shipping Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, former Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Earth Sciences Kiran Rijiju, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, and former Union Ministers like Arun Jaitley, Pramod Mahajan, Anant Kumar, Gopinath Munde, Manohar Parrikar, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Vijay Goel, and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jairam Thakur, as well as distinguished journalist Rajat Sharma of India TV.
The former activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), steadfast in their commitment to nation-building, have recently achieved notable success. In the recent assembly elections across five states – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram – the politicians who emerged as chief ministers in four of these states were alumni of the ABVP. This includes Mohan Yadav from Madhya Pradesh, Vishnudev Sai from Chhattisgarh, Bhajan Lal Sharma from Rajasthan, and Revanth Reddy from Telangana, all of whom commenced their journey in public service as part of the ABVP. Their affiliation with the world’s largest student organisation has endowed them with robust education and training, shaping them into dynamic personalities with strong leadership skills. These leaders have made their mark in public life with their diligence, capability, and adept social skills, buoyed by the values of simplicity, integrity, and organisational acumen instilled by the ABVP.
In contemporary public life, there is hardly any domain where former ABVP activists are not playing a leading role. This includes many Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, Governors, Vice-Chancellors, and senior officers in prestigious services like the IAS and IPS. These individuals have significantly influenced the social, cultural, and political spheres of India. Notable among them for their governance and administrative skills are prominent figures such as Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of Road Transport and Shipping Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, former Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Earth Sciences Kiran Rijiju, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, and former Union Ministers like Arun Jaitley, Pramod Mahajan, Anant Kumar, Gopinath Munde, Manohar Parrikar, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Vijay Goel, and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jairam Thakur, along with noted journalist Rajat Sharma.
Among the notable achievers who have demonstrated exceptional organizational skills are Dattaji Hosabale, the General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh; Sunil Ambekar, the All-India Publicity In-Charge; Jagat Prakash Nadda, the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party; and Sunil Bansal, the BJP General Secretary. Moreover, a significant number of members in the central government, both houses of Parliament, various state governments, and legislative assemblies have been associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) as former activists. Their involvement underscores the ABVP’s influential role in shaping India’s public life.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad transcends being merely a student organisation active in political arenas during election seasons. It is an entity consistently dedicated to societal engagement and national development. By staying actively involved with students and society all year round, the organisation cultivates a reservoir of energy, strength, and confidence. ABVP has been a proactive participant in every major post-independence event in India, reflecting its positive and dynamic role. Notably, the organisation has been at the forefront in the development and implementation of the National Education Policy-2020, a policy aimed at tailoring the education system to reflect Indian values and ethos.
Throughout its history, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has demonstrated commendable dedication in serving the nation, especially in times of adversity. This encompasses their significant contributions during conflicts with Pakistan and China, as well as their proactive response to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, droughts, floods, cyclones, and the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. As a national service organisation, ABVP activists have consistently provided invaluable support and assistance to the people of India. In its commitment to social responsibility, ABVP has organised countless blood donation camps across the country, reinforcing their role in national health and welfare. Moreover, the organisation has been at the forefront of numerous large-scale movements, awareness campaigns, and initiatives like the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, promoting national unity and patriotism.
Among the numerous movements led by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), three are particularly noteworthy. First, during the Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975, ABVP was at the forefront of the opposition, vocally resisting this dark chapter in Indian history. Thousands of its activists were jailed in their fight for freedom of expression and the restoration of civil rights. They actively participated in Jayaprakash Narayan’s Total Revolution movement. Secondly, in the context of separatism, terrorism, and lawlessness in Jammu and Kashmir under Articles 370 and 35A, ABVP consistently opposed these divisive articles and fought for India’s unity and integrity. In 1992, during the peak of terrorism, the organisation played a key role in the ‘Ekta Yatra’ from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. ABVP activists bravely hoisted the national flag at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, defying terrorists. Lastly, ABVP led movements against illegal infiltration of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. It played a significant role in enhancing connectivity, communication, harmony, and coordination between the northeastern states and the rest of India. The organisation has been instrumental in redirecting the youth of the Northeast away from extremism and separatism towards peace, prosperity, and integration into the mainstream of the country. In Naxal-affected areas, ABVP not only confronted Naxalites but also tirelessly served and protected innocent civilians. Slogans like ‘Kashmir ho ya Guwahati, apna desh, apni maati’ (Whether it’s Kashmir or Guwahati, our country, our soil), ‘Jahan hue balidan Mukherjee, woh Kashmir hamara hai’ (Where Mukherjee became a martyr, that Kashmir is ours), ‘Student Power, National Power’, and ‘Vande Mataram’epitomize the patriotism flowing through the veins of this organisation.
In contemporary times, student politics is increasingly being equated with hooliganism, where deceit and exploitation have become prevalent tools and objectives. The presence of student organisations truly committed to societal transformation and nation-building is alarmingly minimal. In this adverse climate, the role of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) becomes significantly more crucial. It is the vigour of the youth that sets the course for a nation, steering it towards notable achievements. Given the current state of politics, which is increasingly bereft of insightful leadership and dominated by opportunists and materialistic forces, ABVP stands out as a potential harbinger of hope and meaningful change. The need of the hour is for youth who embody the virtues and visions of luminaries like Swami Vivekananda, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. Such individuals can pioneer the construction of an ideal India. Leadership lacking in moral fibre, empathy, bravery, and a willingness to confront challenges is unlikely to propel society and the nation forward significantly.
ABVP’s approach to leadership development is acutely aware of the complexities of the 21st century and is equipped to tackle these challenges effectively. The global community looks towards India with hopeful anticipation, foreseeing the 21st century as the Indian era. Cultivating a cadre of leaders who are ethically robust and competent is imperative for guiding the global stage. This monumental task is within the purview of ABVP’s capabilities. In the era preceding independence, India required valiant youths like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Udham Singh, who were prepared to sacrifice their lives for the nation. Today, the country calls for young individuals who are willing to dedicate their lives to its betterment. Youth who place the welfare of their nation and society above personal ambitions, dedicating their whole being to these causes, are the need of the hour. ABVP has been instrumental in shaping such youth and is committed to continuing this vital mission.
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