Ashok Singhal birth centenary celebrated by Indian leaders

The birth centenary of Ashok Singhal, former international executive president of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), is being commemorated with various ceremonies and tributes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored Singhal's legacy, noting his pivotal role in providing direction and energy to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which resulted in the construction of the temple in Ayodhya. Modi described Singhal as a man who lived a life of asceticism while serving culture, society, and the nation.

Other leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, also participated in the celebrations. Maurya remarked that Singhal's vision extended beyond the Ram temple to the broader development of the country. Prasad recalled Singhal's steadfastness during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, noting his resilience in the face of adversity.

Singhal, an IIT BHU graduate, was recognized for his extensive organizational work, his dedication to tribal areas in Gujarat, and his efforts to combat social inequality and untouchability. He was also noted for his immediate response to natural disasters, such as the 2001 Kutch earthquake.