The National Conference of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) commenced in Dehradun on Friday, marking a historic moment as the student organization announced its highest-ever membership of 76,98,448 students in its 77-year history.
Grand Inauguration at Parade Ground
The three-day event was formally inaugurated at Bhagwan Birsa Munda Nagar, the specially created convention venue at Dehradun's Parade Ground. The ceremony was graced by former ISRO chairman S Somanath as the chief guest, who shared the stage with ABVP's newly elected leadership.
Among the distinguished attendees were professor Raghuraj Kishore Tiwari, the newly-elected national president, Virendra Singh Solanki who was re-elected as national general secretary, and national secretary Kshama Sharma. Senior members of the reception panel including Kamal Ghanshala, founder of Graphic Era University, and Ramesh Gadiya, vice-president of Uttarakhand Watershed Management Directorate, were also present.
Science and Spirituality: India's Dual Strength
In his inaugural address, former ISRO chief S Somanath emphasized the need to balance 'faith' with 'fact', highlighting how science and spirituality have always coexisted and evolved together in India. 'Belief and evidence strengthen one another', he stated, adding that 'our cultural heritage and our technological aspirations are deeply interlinked.'
Somanath pointed to India's ancient thinkers who made significant contributions across diverse fields including consciousness studies, astronomy, mathematics, metallurgy, architecture, and medicine. He noted that many spiritual texts contain ideas that find resonance with modern scientific inquiry.
Youth as Nation's Pillars
Addressing the young delegates, Somanath described them as 'the pillars of India's future' and stressed that national progress depends on empowering young citizens with knowledge, technology, and confidence. 'The resolve of youth shapes the character of a nation', he remarked, while acknowledging ABVP's role as a guiding force committed to national policy and unity.
The former ISRO chairman highlighted India's remarkable achievements in space technology, particularly the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, stating that the country is emerging as a technological power firmly rooted in cultural values.
Record Membership and Expanding Influence
Presenting ABVP's annual report, national general secretary Virendra Singh Solanki announced that the organization had surpassed all previous membership records, reaching an unprecedented 76,98,448 members. He noted that ABVP has evolved into a multi-dimensional organization working across educational and social sectors through an extensive network of forums and programs.
Solanki urged delegates to utilize the conference platform to strengthen the 'nation first' ethos and return to their respective regions with renewed determination to energize student participation across the country.
National president professor Tiwari attributed ABVP's expanding presence and growing acceptance to its 'unique and impactful working style'. He recognized the crucial role played by India's teachers in shaping student leadership and affirmed the organization's commitment to building on this strong foundation.
Following the inauguration ceremony, parallel sessions were conducted on the theme 'Yuva Bharat ka Aavahan', focusing on awakening young India's potential and participation in nation-building activities.
