The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the world’s largest student organisation, celebrates its Foundation Day on July 9 every year as Rashtriya Vidyarthi Diwas (National Students’ Day) across the country, among students from all walks of life. Today, as ABVP enters its 77th year, it proudly reflects on a legacy marked by dedication, dynamic student leadership, and significant contributions to Bharat’s educational and cultural landscape.
Founded in 1949, during the same era when the Constituent Assembly was drafting the Constitution of India, the ABVP’s origin was deeply rooted in nationalistic ideals and a Bharat-centric thought. Even in its formative years, ABVP began its journey by raising crucial demands related to the nation, society, and culture. Notably, it urged the Constituent Assembly to declare Hindi as the national language and ‘Vande Mataram’ as the national song—a demand later accepted, showcasing the ideological foresight of ABVP’s early karyakartas (activists), who prioritised Bharat’s identity, ethos, and civilisational continuity.
Over the decades, ABVP has evolved while staying true to its core principles. It continues to contribute to nation-building by focusing on the personality development of students, offering purposeful engagement, and nurturing a positive academic environment across campuses. At a time when students are often burdened with mental stress, anxiety, and uncertainties about the future, ABVP has emerged as a beacon of hope and confidence for the youth.
Recently, through initiatives like “Parisar Chalo Abhiyan”, ABVP addressed the rising disengagement among students from campus activities and promoted a return to vibrant academic life. With the vision of building a joyful and meaningful student life, ABVP karyakartas strive to transform the “annamaya kosha” (the physical body) into the “anandamaya kosha” (the blissful self), enabling students to live enriched and value-based lives.
The ABVP has launched numerous initiatives, including ‘Swadhyay Mandals’ and the ‘Rashtriya Kala Manch’, which encourage students to explore creative, cultural, and intellectual pursuits. In today’s environment, where even minor setbacks lead some students to hopelessness, ABVP creates an uplifting atmosphere that helps them rediscover meaning and confidence in their journey.
Beyond academics, the ABVP works on themes such as environmental sensitivity, civil discipline, and social responsibility. It believes that a strong Bharat requires student leadership from all disciplines. Hence, ABVP emphasises student participation in national reconstruction and societal transformation.
To this end, ABVP is engaged in:
- Kutumba Prabodhan: Fostering Family Values and Dialogue.
- Promoting dialogue between students and teachers to rebuild India’s traditional campus culture where harmony and mutual respect prevail over conflict.
- Reviving Indian philosophical traditions within campuses to create holistic academic spaces.
Quoting the Sanskrit verse:
“Kaushalam hi shikshalayam, shiksha dharmapradhana |
Adhyayanam param gyanam, sa shikshalaya uchyate ||”
(A skilled educational institution is one where learning is driven by moral purpose and true knowledge is pursued.)
Unlike other student organisations tied to political parties or individual ideologies, the ABVP is uniquely driven by the ideal of restoring Bharat to its rightful place as Vishwaguru—a global guide rooted in timeless Indian values and civilisational wisdom.
Through initiatives like SEIL (Students’ Experience in Inter-State Living), ABVP connects students from the North-East to the rest of Bharat, enriching their cultural understanding and strengthening the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
ABVP has also worked to:
- Promote Indian thought in premier institutions nationwide.
- Advocate for Indian models of sustainable development, which prioritise long-term progress over short-term exploitation.
- Inspire pride in Bharatiya symbols, heritage, and knowledge traditions, encouraging students to honor, protect, and celebrate their civilisational identity.
Today, the ABVP’s presence is felt not only in universities and colleges but also in every sphere of society—whether in academia, the arts, science, policy, or governance—where its alumni lead with integrity and a national commitment.
As ABVP celebrates its 77th Foundation Day in 2025, completing 76 years of a glorious student movement, it continues to shine as a symbol of national awakening, cultural revival, and student empowerment. With a mission to create a joyful and meaningful student life based on the highest values of Bharat, ABVP moves forward, resilient, relevant, and ready to lead the youth toward a brighter and self-reliant future.
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