RANCHI: Building a capable, empowered, organised and discrimination-free Hindu society is a national imperative, said Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) National Secretary Ambarish Ji while addressing the first state-level programme in Jharkhand, marking the birth centenary of late Ashok Singhal, a prominent leader of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and a key figure in the cultural awakening of Hindu society.
The programme was organised by the Jharkhand unit of the VHP at the Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir auditorium in Dhurwa, Ranchi, on October 4. It marked the beginning of the state-level celebrations commemorating the birth centenary of Ashok Singhal.
The event began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp before images of Shri Ram Darbar and Bharat Mata. Floral tributes were also offered at the portrait of Ashok Singhal to remember his contribution to the Hindu society and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Ashok Singhal Dedicated His Life to Nation and Hindu Society
Addressing the gathering, Ambarish said Ashok Singhal had taken several significant resolves during his lifetime and devoted himself completely to serving the nation and Hindu society to fulfil them.
He said the country had witnessed the realisation of several of Singhal’s major objectives, including the construction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and efforts towards protecting the Ram Setu.
“His remaining resolves can be fulfilled only when every section of society works together,” Ambarish said, adding that collective efforts were also necessary to establish India in a leadership role on the global stage.
Recalling Singhal’s early life, Ambarish said he was born into a reputed and prosperous family in Agra. After completing his engineering education at Banaras Hindu University, Singhal chose to dedicate his life as a full-time worker of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), instead of pursuing a life of comfort and conventional family responsibilities.
His life, Ambarish said, represented an exceptional example of sacrifice, austerity and organisational dedication.
Contributions Extended Beyond Ram Janmabhoomi Movement
Ambarish said Ashok Singhal should not be remembered only as a leading figure of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, but also as a pioneer of a broader Hindu awakening.
According to him, Singhal played an important role in raising awareness against religious conversion and promoting social and educational initiatives in tribal areas. He supported the establishment of Ekal Vidyalayas, campaigns for cow protection and efforts for the conservation of the Ganga.
He also promoted Veda conferences and the establishment of Vedic schools. For strengthening social harmony, he encouraged initiatives such as the Sant Ravidas Yatra and Ekatmata Yatra, Ambarish said.
He further highlighted Singhal’s efforts to strengthen Hindu unity and cultural consciousness at the global level through Hindu-Buddhist conferences. His role in organising youth and women through organisations such as Bajrang Dal, Durga Vahini and Matri Shakti was also significant, he said.
Need to Build an Empowered and Organised Society
Ambarish said Hindu values could provide the world with the right direction and a path towards lasting peace. He stressed the need to build a capable, empowered, organised and discrimination-free Hindu society.
He called for eliminating caste-based and social divisions and urged people from all sections to work together for the larger interests of society and the nation.
He said removing symbols associated with the period of foreign rule and restoring India’s rich cultural heritage would constitute a true tribute to the legacy of Ashok Singhal.
Singhal’s Life an Inspiration for Society: Sachchidanand Lal Agrawal
The chief guest, RSS Jharkhand Prant Sanghchalak Sachchidanand Lal Agrawal, said Ashok Singhal’s contribution towards awakening Hindu society and working for the establishment of a Hindu nation remained an inspiration for everyone.
He described Singhal’s entire life as an example of dedication to society and the nation and said his commitment and organisational work would continue to inspire future generations.
Need to Build a Value-Based Young Generation: Padma Shri Mahavir Nayak
Padma Shri awardee Mahavir Nayak, the special guest, said India was the land of sages and seers and that the country’s Guru-Shishya tradition had provided knowledge and values to society for centuries.
He stressed the need to connect the younger generation with Indian culture and values and guide them towards contributing to nation-building.
Nayak said preserving and transmitting India’s cultural traditions to the next generation was essential for strengthening the country’s social and cultural foundation.
Hindu Society Must Rise Above Caste and Class Divisions: Chandrakant Raypat
VHP Jharkhand president Chandrakant Raypat called for greater awareness and organisation within Hindu society.
He said efforts must be made to ensure that Hindu society does not remain divided along caste and class lines. Strengthening social harmony, he said, should remain a key priority.
Raypat also stressed the need to provide women and young people with a leading role in social development and nation-building initiatives.
Birth Centenary Programmes Held at Over 47 Places
VHP Jharkhand State Secretary Mithileshwar Mishra highlighted Ashok Singhal’s life and contribution and said the birth centenary celebrations in Jharkhand had commenced on September 27, 2026.
He said programmes commemorating Singhal’s birth centenary had already been organised at more than 47 locations across the country.
The Ranchi programme was the first state-level birth centenary event organised in Jharkhand, Mishra said. He added that the celebrations were aimed at remembering Singhal’s life, struggles, organisational capabilities and contribution to Hindu society.
Ram Janmabhoomi Movement Activists Honoured
As part of the programme, kar sevaks who had played an active role in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement were felicitated.
The event also featured a remembrance of Ashok Singhal’s life, struggles, organisational skills and contribution to the Hindu society. Swami Shri Krishna Chaitanya Brahmachari and other dignitaries also addressed the gathering.
The programme concluded with the recitation of the Purnata Mantra followed by the singing of Vande Mataram.
Senior VHP and RSS Functionaries Attend
A large number of VHP and RSS functionaries and workers from different districts of Jharkhand attended the programme.
Those present included Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple Mahant Swami Keshav Maharaj; VHP Patna and Guwahati Kshetra Dharmacharya Pramukh Virendra Vimal; Patna Kshetra Secy Dr. Virendra Sahu; VHP Jharkhand Prant Vice-President Ganga Prasad Yadav; Prant Sah-Mantri Manoj Poddar; Prant Sangathan Mantri Chittaranjan Kumar; Sunil Gupta; Ramswaroop Rungta; Dr. H.P. Narayan; Swami Divyanand; former MP Prof. Yadunath Pandey; former organisational secretary Sushil Kumar; RSS functionaries Anil Thakur, Vijay Ghosh, Pawan Mantri and Akhileshwar Nath Mishra.
Matri Shakti chief Anima Pandey, Durga Vahini convener Kirti Gaurav, Jugal Kishore Ji and Ranchi Mahanagar president Kailash Kesari were also present, besides other office-bearers and workers of the VHP from across Jharkhand.
The programme was conducted by VHP Jharkhand State Secy Mithileshwar Mishra, while Ranchi Mahanagar vice-president Chandradeep Dubey proposed the vote of thanks.
