LUCKNOW: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Awadh State, organised a special recitation programme titled ‘Priya Kelkar Ji’ at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, to commemorate the birth centenary of Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar, regarded as the architect of ABVP. The programme witnessed the participation of hundreds of former and present ABVP karyakartas and office bearers. The dais was graced by Swant Ranjan, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as the Chief Guest; Manoj Kant, Kshetriya Prachar Sah-Pramukh, RSS, as the Keynote Speaker; Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh as the Special Guest; social worker Aditya Singh; young entrepreneur Arun Rawat; ABVP Awadh State Vice President Prof. Manjula Upadhyay; State Secretary Arpan Kushwaha; and Lucknow Mahanagar Secretary Sarita Pandey.
The programme featured a special recitation and discussion on the life and contributions of Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar, his pivotal role in shaping ABVP’s ideological and organisational foundations, his visionary approach to student organisation-building, and the continued relevance of his ideas in contemporary times. Prior to the programme, a reunion of former and present ABVP karyakartas was organised, where participants shared memories associated with Prof. Kelkar and reflected upon his organisational style, his unique tradition of karyakarta-building, and his invaluable contribution to ABVP’s journey.
Addressing the gathering, Swant Ranjan, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, RSS, said, “Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar transformed ABVP into far more than a student organisation; he envisioned it as a movement dedicated to nurturing karyakartas committed to nation-building. He inspired the organisation to remain rooted in constructive work, organisational autonomy, collective leadership, anonymity, informality and transparency. At a time when society and student life are confronting new challenges, Kelkar Ji’s philosophy is more relevant than ever. His vision continues to shape ABVP’s journey and inspires every karyakarta to emerge as a responsible leader committed to society and the nation.”
Delivering the keynote address, Manoj Kant, Zonal Prachar Sah-Pramukh, RSS, said, “Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar envisioned ABVP as a lifelong institution for karyakarta-building rather than merely a student organisation. He believed that an ABVP karyakarta should represent India through his values, conduct and commitment, wherever he may live or work in the world. That vision has enabled ABVP to emerge as the world’s largest student organisation, contributing leadership in education, social service, technology and innovation, environmental conservation, rural development, policy-making, administration, judiciary, industry and public life. This remarkable journey reflects not merely organisational growth but the enduring tradition of karyakarta-building established by Kelkar Ji, where every generation learns from its seniors and carries forward the spirit of national service.”
Speaking on the occasion, Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Shri Dayashankar Singh said, “I belonged to Vidyarthi Parishad yesterday, I belong to it today, and I will continue to remain a Vidyarthi Parishad karyakarta in the future. Whatever I am today is because of ABVP. The organisation instilled in me the values of nation-first, social responsibility and leadership. It has nurtured thousands of karyakartas who have gone on to serve the nation in diverse fields. The abrogation of Article 370 was a historic milestone for India’s unity and integrity, and ABVP played a significant ideological role through sustained awareness campaigns, public mobilisation and years of unwavering commitment. I urge the youth to imbibe ABVP’s ideals of nationalism and service and actively contribute towards building a Viksit Bharat.”
ABVP Awadh State Secretary Arpan Kushwaha said, “The birth centenary of Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar has given us an invaluable opportunity to revisit his ideas and organisational philosophy. Bringing together senior and present-day karyakartas on one platform made the programme even more inspiring. Their experiences and memories associated with Kelkar Ji have become a source of motivation for the younger generation. We are confident that this interaction will infuse fresh enthusiasm, renewed energy and a deeper sense of commitment among ABVP karyakartas in their service to society and the nation.”
Among the ABVP Karyakartas present were Prof. Rajsharan Shahi, Special Invitee Member, National Executive Council; Shri Ghanshyam Shahi, Zonal Organizing Secretary (East Uttar Pradesh); Awadh State Secretary Arpan Kushwaha; Awadh State Organizing Secretary Abhilash; State Joint Organizing Secretary Gyanendra; along with other prominent office bearers. Former ABVP karyakartas present on the occasion included Uttar Pradesh Jal Shakti Minister Shri Swatantra Dev Singh; Minister of State for Minority Welfare, Muslim Waqf and Haj Shri Danish Azad Ansari; former BJP General Secretary Shri Anoop Gupta; newly appointed BJP State Secretary Shri Rahul Valmiki; Shri Avadhesh Srivastava; BJP Yuva Morcha State President Shri Rohit Mishra; eminent academician Prof. J. P. Singh; besides hundreds of former and present ABVP karyakartas and office bearers.
