There is so much to write about the lifetime experiences with Saketvaasi Ma. Ashokji Singhal and is very hard to express in words. “Love never dies, and spirit knows no less.”
My first contact with Ashokji happened sometime in November 1970 before I migrated to the USA. He was very explicit in explaining about what my role should be when I go to the USA. He mentioned that there are no activities of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in the USA hence we must start activities of Vishwa Hindu Parishad. We should work as the ambassadors of Hindutva. Since then, VHPA has become a Baniyan tree giving shelter and improving the Hindu way of Life of thousands.
Thousands of Saint-Mahatmas joined the VHP’s movements due to Ashokji’s humility, mass mobilization ability and integrity and began speaking their hearts and minds about the problems and challenges facing the society and country. It was the outcome of his organizational and leadership skills that on 6th December 1992, the youths confiscated and got rid of the Babri structure – a symbol of national disgrace and scandal superimposed and parked by an invader on the hallowed and blessed birthplace of our National Hero Sri Ram.
He was an institution in himself, whose life was centred in serving the nation. He was the force behind several noble deeds & social work, which benefitted the poor. He offered his life to the vision and mission of HSS. He made the Sri Rama Janam Bhumi Ayodhya matter a catalyst for the mission of national reconstruction and unity. He explored the wide realms of Hindu thought and action through consultations with the learned Saint-Mahatmas and Scholars.
The former Maharaja of Travancore affectionately interpreted Ashokji’s name and eulogized him for being “Ashok” inside and a “Lion” outside.
Ma. Ashokji undertook organizational trips to several countries including Trinidad & Tobago, USA, UK, The Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, Kenya, etc. Notwithstanding his uncooperative physical health at 89, he, in August-September,2015 undertook a hectic and arduous month-long trip to the UK, Holland and USA.
My wife Pappu and I were blessed that we spent quality time with him before his last visit to the USA in the month of September 2015.
I, myself, struggle with the missing of my guide Ma. Ashokji. He will not be forgotten and will serve as a constant reminder that we can do anything we believe through the power of dedication and determination and the greatest question we can ask of this life is “How may I serve.
Ma. Ashok Ji was not only one of the most remarkable fatherly figures to me, a teacher and mentor in my personal development but one of the kindest, wisest, and inspiring men I’ve ever met. He was such a humble and bright spirit and had a profound impact on my life.
परम श्रद्धेय श्री अशोक सिंघलजी की जन्म शताब्दी के पावन अवसर पर उन्हें कोटि-कोटि नमन।
राष्ट्र, धर्म और समाज के प्रति आपका समर्पित जीवन हम सभी के लिए सदैव प्रेरणा का स्रोत रहेगा। आपके त्याग, तपस्या, संघर्ष और राष्ट्रसेवा की अमिट स्मृतियाँ हमारे हृदय में सदैव जीवंत रहेंगी।
आपके दिखाए मार्ग पर चलते हुए, आपकी पावन स्मृतियों को हृदय में संजोकर, हम सभी आपके सपनों और संकल्पों को साकार करने के लिए कृतसंकल्प एवं प्रतिबद्ध हैं।
आपका जीवन हमारी प्रेरणा है, आपका संकल्प हमारा संकल्प है।
शत-शत नमन। कोटि-कोटि नमन।
In Service of Dharma
Vimal Sodhani
