Story perspectives

Modi Honors VHP Leader Ashok Singhal on 100th Birthday

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 4:08 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored VHP Working President Ashok Singhal on his 100th birth anniversary on September 27, 2026.
Modi said Singhal’s direction and energy made the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya possible.
Modi recalled Singhal’s 1981 handwritten letter and his assistance after the 2001 Kutch earthquake.
Modi highlighted Singhal’s fight against social discrimination and his ascetic lifestyle despite affluent origins.

History

Historical Context

The 16th-century Babri Masjid, built by Mughal commander Mir Baqi, entered national focus when the VHP began a campaign in 1984 and a stone-laying ceremony in 1989. On 6 December 1992, about 150,000 VHP, BJP and RSS supporters demolished it, leading to riots and a Liberhan Commission that named 68 leaders. The Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict gave the site to a Hindu trust.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored VHP Working President Ashok Singhal on his 100th birth anniversary on September 27, 2026.
Modi said Singhal’s direction and energy made the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya possible.
Modi recalled Singhal’s 1981 handwritten letter and his assistance after the 2001 Kutch earthquake.
Modi highlighted Singhal’s fight against social discrimination and his ascetic lifestyle despite affluent origins.

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