Ashok Singhal: A life devoted to the service of Bharat

There's a beautiful Kabir doha: 'Vriksh kabhu nahi phal bhakai, nadi na sanchai neer/ paramarath ke kaarane, sadhun dhara sharir' (The tree doesn't consume its own fruit, the river doesn't retain its waters/ Both exist for the benefit of others.) Our saints and seers have long taught us that a life devoted to the welfare of those around us acquires a meaning far greater than individual achievement. If there is one person in whom this spirit was reflected, it was Ashok Singhal-ji.

This Sunday, marks the beginning of his birth centenary year. I have the privilege of having many opportunities to interact with Ashok-ji. He would undertake long and often difficult journeys to remote areas, particularly passionate about travelling across Gujarat's tribal areas. Whenever any place was affected by a natural disaster, he was either among the first to reach there or among those guiding karyakartas to help those affected. I experienced this personally in the aftermath of the 2001 Kutch earthquake.

Ashok-ji came from an illustrious and prosperous family, his father Mahavir Singhal, a distinguished administrator. From a young age, he was attracted to bringing glory to Bharat. Growing up in Prayagraj, he would sit for hours on the banks of the Sangam. The river interested him, as did the people who were drawn to it: saints, seers and devotees.


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It nurtured an understanding of India's cultural ethos in him and strengthened his intention to do something for society. This desire to live for others drew him to RSS. Subsequently, he embraced every responsibility that came his way with enthusiasm, discipline, and a sense of duty.

Singhal-ji nurtured institutions and movements through persistence and hard work. He was blessed with a formidable voice and was a great orator. He equally looked out for his fellow karyakartas. He shared a deep bond with the sant samaj, and commanded respect among saints and seers who valued his counsel.

In 1993, when VHP organised a convention in the US to mark 100 years of Swami Vivekananda's Chicago address, it was Ashok-ji's organisational genius that came to the fore with his vision to host such a conference overseas, and whose planning and bringing together of diverse stakeholders made it possible.

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In 2000, the World Hindu Conference was organised in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. His presence ignited enthusiasm in all delegates. After my address, his words of appreciation were a very moving experience for me.

No mention of Ashok-ji is complete without recalling his pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Who can forget his address at VHP's Boat Club rally in New Delhi in April 1991? Or the defining image of an injured and bleeding Ashok-ji after a police lathi blow in October 1990 in Ayodhya? Today, if there is a grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, it's because of stalwarts like him.

Ashok-ji was blessed with remarkable clarity of thought. One area where this was most evident was in his belief that our society needs to be harmonious, that the message of brotherhood has to be reaffirmed. He worked towards strengthening social unity and equality, firmly believing that there could be no distinction of any kind and that every individual deserves equal dignity and respect.

It was his idea that the first brick of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya should be laid by Kameshwar Choupal, a grassroots VHP karyakarta from Bihar, who came from marginalised sections of society. At a dharm sansad in Kashi, Ashok-ji decided that the 'Dom Raja' would be honoured, and went on to work with him as part of various community efforts.

Beyond nation-building, Ashok-ji had two areas close to his heart: education-especially Vedic education-and music. As MP from Varanasi, I take pride that Kashi has played its part in Ashok-ji's life.

Ashok-ji was educated at Banaras Hindu University and was closely associated with the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative, which worked to extend basic education to remote villages, especially among tribal communities. He was a voracious reader and good listener, telling younger karyakartas to read as much as possible.

He was also a great singer. I recall meetings in Nagpur, where he would sing 'ekal geet,' leaving everyone mesmerised and setting the tone for the meeting. His rendition of 'Ye matribhumi meri, ye pitribhumi meri' during his 90th birthday celebrations in 2015 went viral. On his birth centenary, let us ensure that more youngsters know about his greatness.

The writer is prime minister of India