Amit Shah Pays Homage to Ashok Singhal, Hails His Role in Ram Temple Movement.

Shraddhanjali to Singhal: Amit Shah Recalls Ashok Singhal’s Heroic Role in Ram Janmabhoomi Movement.

Upananda Brahmachari | HENB | New Delhi | Sept 30, 2026::  Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday paid tribute to former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Ashok Singhal at the inaugural ceremony of the centenary-year celebrations commemorating his birth anniversary, describing his life as an example of sacrifice, simplicity, patriotism, devotion to Dharma and an unwavering spirit of struggle.

Shah said Singhal devoted his entire life to Hindutva, the nation and social service, remaining committed to his ideals from his days as a student and Swayamsevak through his years as a Pracharak and later as an international leader of the VHP.

“Such personalities are rarely seen,” Shah said, highlighting Singhal’s simplicity despite being born into a prestigious and affluent family. He recalled that Singhal chose to live in a small room at the VHP office, where he spent nearly two decades serving the organisation. The room, he said, has now become almost an exhibition space for workers and stands as an example of Singhal’s simple lifestyle and dedication.

Shah said Singhal continued working for nearly 16 hours a day even at an advanced age and drew inspiration from his deep sense of patriotism. He also recalled Singhal’s profound reverence for Hindu Dharma, the Vedas, the Upanishads, Sanskrit, Indian culture and the tradition of saints.

According to Shah, Singhal believed that Hindu Dharma should be taken to the world not merely because Hindus follow it, but because its philosophy is fundamentally concerned with the welfare of the entire universe. Referring to the Shanti Mantra, Shah said Singhal regarded the propagation of Hindu Dharma as a means of contributing to the welfare of humanity.

A Central Figure in the Ram Janmabhoomi Movement

Shah said the Ram Janmabhoomi movement was deeply embedded in Singhal’s thoughts and convictions. He recalled that Singhal believed India could attain a position of honour and prestige in the world only by overcoming what he described as the “stigma of slavery” and constructing a grand Ram Temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram.

Recalling Singhal’s role in the movement, Shah said that when the Uttar Pradesh government ordered a lathi charge against Ram Janmabhoomi activists, Singhal reached the frontline in disguise and was injured. The image of Singhal wiping blood from his face with a gamchha, he said, should remain etched in the memory of the youth for generations.

Shah said the VHP, the institution of saints, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the construction of the Ram Temple and the Sangh were among the causes closest to Singhal’s heart. Singhal worked consistently for these causes, which eventually became closely associated with his public identity.

Describing Singhal as an “institution in himself”, Shah said his life, sacrifice, simplicity, dedication and perseverance could serve as an inspiration for young people.

He said there was no distinction between Singhal’s personal and public life. Having embraced the ideal of living for the nation, Singhal merged his personal life with that larger purpose and regarded organisational work as a form of spiritual discipline.

Temple Construction and Singhal’s Unfulfilled Lifetime Wish

Shah noted that Singhal did not live to witness either the Bhoomi Pujan or the completion of the Ram Temple, despite having devoted decades to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He said Singhal never worked with the expectation that he would personally witness the fulfilment of his efforts, regarding the movement as a struggle spanning generations.

Referring to the construction of the Ram Temple, Shah said that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, governmental obstacles were removed within five years and the grand temple was subsequently constructed without bloodshed. He described the development as a matter of peace and satisfaction for devotees of Shri Ram in India and around the world.

Shah said he shared Singhal’s belief that the construction of the Ram Temple would open a new path for India’s progress and help the country’s ideas, culture, Dharma and values reach people across the world.

Taking Singhal’s Legacy to the Youth

Shah said the centenary celebrations were not intended merely to remember Singhal but to take the values reflected in his life to every household, particularly to young people. He warned that when a nation and society fail to remember their heroes and do not communicate their lives and teachings to younger generations, an “ideological vacuum” can emerge.

“Gratitude is not merely a sentiment; it is a national necessity,” Shah said, stressing the importance of commemorating Singhal’s birth centenary.

He expressed hope that young people would continue to draw values and inspiration from Singhal’s personality, life, contributions and words for generations to come.

Service Initiatives and Shri Ram Stambhs

During the event, presentations were made on various service initiatives associated with the centenary celebrations. These included prayers at the temples of Sant Ravidas and Maharishi Valmiki, Ganga Aarti in Prayagraj, Ganga conservation activities, service to Gaumata, commemoration of the Ram Setu movement and the distribution of artificial limbs in Ayodhya.

The digital inauguration of 11 Shri Ram Stambhs was also held during the ceremony. Shah said the pillars commemorate the route associated with Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram during his exile and would convey the message of the Ram Van Gaman Path and the values associated with Shri Ram to future generations.

Yugpurush Paramananda and RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale were among the prominent figures present at the event.

Shah said Singhal’s life represented a combination of sacrifice, simplicity, patriotism, devotion to Dharma and steadfast commitment to the Swayamsevak and Pracharak ideals. He expressed confidence that the centenary celebrations would help bring Singhal’s life and values to a wider audience and inspire future generations.
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