– ABVP reaches membership of 76,98,448; the world’s largest student organisation breaks its own previous record*
– “ABVP has proven that true leadership lies in service”: S. Somanath
Dehradun – The 71st National Conference of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was inaugurated today, at the “General Bipin Rawat Auditorium” in “Bhagwan Birsa Munda Nagar,” established at the Parade Ground in Dehradun. The conference was inaugurated by Dr. S. Somanath, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). ABVP’s newly elected National President Prof. (Dr.) Raghuraj Kishore Tiwari, re-elected National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki, National Secretary Kshama Sharma, Chairman of the Reception Committee and Founder-President of Graphic Era University Dr. Kamal Ghanshala, Reception Committee General Secretary and Uttarakhand Watershed Management Directorate’s vice president Shri Ramesh Gadiya, Uttarakhand ABVP State President Dr. J.P. Bhatt and ABVP State Secretary Shri Rishabh Rawat were also present in the inaugural ceremony.
Presenting the annual report, ABVP National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki stated that ABVP has surpassed all previous membership records and has enrolled 76,98,448 students this year. This is the highest membership count in the 77-year organisational journey of the Vidyarthi Parishad. After the inaugural session, a speech on topic “Yuva Bharat ka Aavahan” was delivered by ABVP National Organising Secretary Shri Ashish Chauhan. Parallel sessions were also held on the same topic.
At the 71st National Conference of ABVP, the chief guest of the inaugural session, eminent space scientist and former ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath, extended his greetings to all delegates and said,
“The rise of any nation becomes possible only when its youth are empowered with knowledge, technology, and fearless strength. It is heartening to see today’s youth, for each young person is not only the torchbearer of the present but also the pillar of the future. This is a movement, a mission and in this crucial moment, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad emerges as a guiding force. The resolve of youth shapes the character of a nation. ABVP has always safeguarded India’s national policies. Its guiding principle, ‘_Charaiveti Charaiveti,_’ continuously inspires it to progress forward. We are a global technological power whose civilisation is deeply rooted in culture. Today the world says that India is leading the 21st century, and we say our time has come. More than 25% of India’s population comprises youth, which is a cultural blessing for us. When youth stand firm, history changes its course. You are the generation that will script India’s future.
In India, science and spirituality walk together on the foundation of knowledge, values, and service. Through Chandrayaan-3, India became the first nation to reach the lunar south pole, and in many such missions, we are showing the path to the world. Even in space, India declares that the time is ours. India expects excellence, leadership, and righteous conduct from its youth, qualities that ABVP karyakartas are prominently trained in. Innovate fearlessly, this is your dharma. Every day, we must ask ourselves what we are doing for the nation and for preserving its unity. India is one, and maintaining this unity is the responsibility of youth. ABVP has proven that true leadership is rooted in service. When every hand has skill, every mind has confidence, and every heart has India in it, that will be the true picture of a developed India.”
ABVP National President Prof. (Dr.) Raghuraj Kishore Tiwari welcomed all delegates attending the conference and said,
“It is a matter of pride for all of us that ABVP is the world’s largest student organisation. Teachers have played an extremely important role in guiding the youth of India onto the path of duty just as Prof. Yashwantrao Kelkar, one of ABVP’s principal architects, did. Today, ABVP’s acceptance in society has grown immensely due to its unique and impactful working style. It is a matter of great happiness that the youth of the nation now regard us as role models, and ABVP will continue to progress further in this direction.”
ABVP’s re-elected National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki said,
“ABVP activists are consistently striving for India’s unity and integrity. In its 77-year journey, ABVP has grown into a multi-dimensional organisation. This journey began long before its official registration in 1949 with the ideals of immortal martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle. ABVP was founded with the same resolve, and its members have carried that mission forward.
After its establishment, ABVP guided society in a positive direction through various campaigns and programmes. From every corner of the nation, ABVP has strived to unite society with a common thread. Today, ABVP has expanded so widely that it works across every domain of society and education through its multiple forums and activities.
Not only within India, but among Indian students studying abroad as well, we are working to further strengthen the sentiment and commitment of ‘Nation First.’
I call upon all the delegates present here to learn from this three-day national conference and return to your places of work with more determination to strengthen the spirit of ‘Nation First’ and further energise student power of the nation.”
