Describing Ashok Singhal , the veteran leader of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), as “ an institution” in himself, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that post-Independent India witnessed two biggest movements, one led by Jaipraksh Narain against corruption and another by Singhal from 1989 to 1991 for Ramjanmabhoomi.
Speaking on the occasion of unveiling of a book here titled ‘Ashok Singhal: Hindutva Ke Purodha’, the Home Minister said Singhal was “the worshipper of Hindutva and its culture”, which could not be limited by caste or boundaries. He said ‘Hindutva’ espoused by the VHP leaders was “a way of life” and a “Manviya dharma” in terms of Vasudaiv Kutumbakam that means the “entire world is ours”.
He said that 72 different sects of Muslim religion thrived together in India which also had one of the ancient most churches in Kerala. Similarly, he said Jews and Parsis were also received very warmly in the country.
Rajnath said that Singhal was the “karnadhar of Ramjanmabhoomi movement” and “even now shows the same energy” which he displayed during the
agitation.
Singhal, completing 89 years and entering his 90th, was felicitated on the dais amidst chanting of Sanskrit shlokas and blowing of conch. RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and VHP president Raghav Reddy besides a number of other Hindu religious leaders were present on the stage. RSS second-in-command Bhaiyaji Joshi and former VHP president Vishnu Hari Dalima and Union Ministers Mahesh Shama and Harshwardhan were among the audience.
Dalmia, in his brief address, said in fitness of the occasion, he would “request Prime Minister Modi to gift Ram Mandir to him”.
In his speech, Singhal said in the RSS the organisation was important and not an individual. On his felicitation, the VHP leader said, “It is not our tradition”.
Singhal said his ‘Guruji’, who lived in Kanpur, used to tell him that it was not only him but thousands who were working for the progress and prosperity of the country. The VHP leader named Ramchandra Tiwari and the second RSS chief Guru Golwarkar as his inspiration.
Bhawat recalled his association with Singhal and remembered how in an interview with the BBC he called a spade-a-spade which was a rate quality. “He is fearless, selfless, frank, loves all and has no enemy,” said RSS chief.
The book in Hindi (also being translated in English) is written by Mahesh Bhagchandka (Granth Sanchalak).