New Delhi: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Friday announced a year-long programme of events across India and several parts of the world to mark the birth centenary year of its former international president, Ashok Singhal.
Addressing a press conference in Indraprastha, VHP international president and senior advocate Alok Kumar said the programmes, beginning September 27, would focus on remembering Singhal’s life, organisational work and contribution to social and cultural causes. He said the organisation would seek to advance initiatives associated with Singhal, including social harmony, service, Hindu empowerment, promotion of Vedic knowledge and efforts concerning temple administration.
The VHP said thousands of discussions, public meetings, exhibitions and service programmes would be organised throughout the year. Kumar also referred to Singhal’s longstanding position on issues including religious conversions, “ghar wapsi”, and the release of temples from government control.
The formal inauguration of the birth centenary year will be held on September 27 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The programme will feature an exhibition on Singhal’s life, spiritual influences, organisational activities, his role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and his association with Indian culture.
A coffee-table book titled Divine Footprints of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram will also be released. A replica of the proposed ‘Shri Ram Stambh’ will be unveiled, along with the digital launch of the ‘Shri Ram Stambhs’, which will seek to connect people with sites associated with Lord Ram’s life and forest journey.
A five-day artificial limb and assistive equipment distribution camp for persons with disabilities will also begin at Karsevakpuram in Ayodhya on September 27 and continue until October 1.
According to the VHP, opening programmes will be organised at 47 major locations between September 27 and October 4, followed by activities at thousands of locations worldwide throughout the year.
The Bharat Mandapam event is scheduled to be attended by Swami Paramanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale.
