The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) marked its 78th Foundation Day on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with tributes from top political leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood. Founded on July 9, 1949, ABVP has grown into one of India's largest student organisations, focusing on student leadership, educational reforms, social service, and nation-building, inspired by Swami Vivekananda's ideals.
Leaders Praise ABVP's Contribution
Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted ABVP's historical role, stating: "The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has, for decades, inspired generations of young Indians with the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, patriotism, and selfless national service. From resisting the Emergency to raising issues of national importance, including infiltration in the Northeast, ABVP has consistently been at the forefront of nation building." He expressed confidence that the organisation will continue to inspire youth to prioritize national interest.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who began her public life through ABVP and later served as Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) president, reflected on her journey: "Some debts cannot be repaid in a lifetime—they can only be honoured through one's actions. My association with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad shaped my life, instilling the values of nation first, selfless service and dedication." She extended greetings to all current and former ABVP workers.
ABVP's Influence Across Political Spectrum
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood emphasized the organisation's role in nurturing leadership: "The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has played a pivotal role in inspiring generations of young people with the values of nationalism, student leadership and selfless service. Through its contributions to education, social service, culture and nation building, ABVP has nurtured countless leaders committed to public life."
ABVP's influence is evident in the number of prominent political leaders who have been associated with it. Senior Union ministers such as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, V. Muraleedharan, Bhupender Yadav, Nityanand Rai, and Kailash Choudhary have roots in the organisation. Other notable leaders include Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Rekha Gupta, Ashish Sood, Manohar Parrikar, Devendra Fadnavis, Raghubar Das, Vijay Rupani, Jai Ram Thakur, Biplab Kumar Deb, Yogi Adityanath, Tirath Singh Rawat, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Mohan Yadav, Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Vishnu Deo Sai.
Legacy and Future
As ABVP enters its 79th year, leaders across the country described it as a platform that has shaped generations of student leaders and public representatives. The organisation continues its work in education, social service, and nation building, maintaining its commitment to the ideals of Swami Vivekananda.
