The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) marked a historic moment on April 22 with the inauguration of its central office ‘Yashwant’ in Delhi — the new headquarters for its national integration initiative SEIL (Students’ Experience in Interstate Living). The office was formally inaugurated by Param Pujya Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dr Mohanrao Bhagwat.
Gracing the occasion were SEIL Trust President Atul Kulkarni, ABVP National President Prof Rajsharan Shahi, National General Secretary Dr Virendra Singh Solanki, National Girl students’ working Head Dr Manu Sharma Kataria, along with Delhi State President Tapan Bihari and State Secretary Sarthak Sharma.
Also gracing the event were distinguished dignitaries including former Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, as well as senior RSS functionaries Mukund CR., Dr Krishna Gopal, Arun Kumar, and Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of RSS, Sunil Ambekar. ABVP’s National Organizing Secretary Ashish Chauhan ji was also present.
Several Union Ministers — Nitin Gadkari, J.P. Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan, Piyush Goyal, and Mansukh Mandaviya — along with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta attended the event, highlighting the national significance of the event.
RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohanrao Bhagwat said, “The establishment of such a vibrant office in a strategic city like Delhi, built with student collaboration, is a milestone. Named after the eminent ideologue and educationist Yashwantrao Kelkar on his centenary, this office stands as a living embodiment of the values he championed — knowledge, character, and unity. An office must not just be a building, but a living space of commitment and action.” He further added that the strength of ABVP lies in its grassroots activists, whose experiences and dedication have shaped the organization, even through times of national crisis. The mission is to build a nation where true freedom thrives — driven by youth empowered with direction, knowledge, and a spirit of unity.
Prof. Rajsharan Shahi, ABVP’s National President, said, “the realisation of ‘Yashwant’ is the fruit of years of dedication and sacrifices by hundreds of karyakartas. This office will serve as a powerful center of coordination for a launchpad for the next phase of youth-led nation-building.”
Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki, ABVP’s National General Secretary said, “the scale and strength of the organisation, states that ABVP’s reach now extends to the whole country. With over 2 lakh members in Northeast India and active operations in 200+ locations, recalls the resilience shown by the Parishad during the challenging years of 1980–1985 — when the vision of a permanent national office in Delhi was first conceived. This center is not just a hub; it’s a source of inspiration for extending our outreach to the remotest regions of India.”
The SEIL project, initiated in 1966, was envisioned to foster cultural harmony and emotional integration between the Northeast and the rest of India. With the inauguration of the ‘Yashwant’ campus, the initiative is expected to scale new heights — empowering thousands of youth to understand India’s diversity and reinforce the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
The nine-story Yashwant complex includes two basements, a ground floor, and six upper levels. It houses a 150+ capacity state-of-the-art auditorium, a multipurpose hall, a research library, and dedicated dormitories for students from the Northeast to support extended academic stays. A striking 12-foot, 1250 kg ashthadhatu statue of Swami Vivekananda stands as the spiritual heart of the building, accompanied by an 850 kg marble engraving of Goddess Saraswati outside the auditorium. The building also features an open-air amphitheater and a vibrant terrace garden, designed with sustainability in mind — maximizing natural light and ventilation to align with modern green standards.
With this step, ABVP reinforces its commitment to youth empowerment, national unity, and holistic education — transforming a dream into a landmark of purpose.
