The voice of the students, the echo of the nation’s pride: ABVP

 

 

In our country, numerous festivals are celebrated throughout the year. These festivals are celebrated collectively by people of all classes and communities, meaningfully embodying the mantra of unity in diversity. Among these festivals is our National Students’ Day, celebrated nation-wide by students and all those associated with the education sector, with immense joy, enthusiasm, and vibrant festivities on 9th July. Observed on July 9th, ‘National Students’ Day’ is more than just a remembrance of the founding of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, it symbolizes the spirit of youth, reflecting their duty, leadership potential, and social responsibility. This day reminds us that students are not simply a section of society but are indeed the architects of the nation’s future. It has, therefore, evolved into a day of inspiration for all students across the country, transcending its significance beyond the ABVP alone.

 

The vision behind the inception of ABVP was that students should not remain confined merely to their books but should remain vigilant and actively contribute to the nation’s prosperity and progress. Over the past seven decades, ABVP has expanded its presence geographically across the country, enhancing its initiatives in the education sector while also engaging meaningfully in social causes. While it has continued to design new programs and initiatives aligned with the evolving students’ interests, it has steadfastly upheld its core ideological commitments. ABVP works consistently throughout the year not only for student-related issues, but also raises its voice with full vigor against various social challenges confronting society and the nation. ABVP exemplifies the true purpose and role of a student body in a country like India. It guides the youth in harnessing their collective power and energy towards constructive endeavors. The ABVP has successfully maintained a balance between both quantitative and qualitative growth. Each ABVP member is shaped into an ideal worker, guided by its ideology, principles, objectives, programmes and disciplined work ethics.”

 

ABVP is not merely an organization, it’s a movement that embodies national consciousness, an idea that teaches us that being a student is not limited to academic pursuits alone, but is a solemn resolve to contribute towards nation-building. ABVP teaches us that patriotism should not merely be confined to slogans but must be reflected in our conduct. It seeks to instill this ethos within campuses – that if a student carries dreams in their eyes, their heart too should be filled with a resolute commitment to serve Mother India. When you study in class, your knowledge is not merely your asset but an inheritance for future generations. When you work within the Parishad, your hard work is not just an activity but a significant contribution towards shaping the nation’s destiny. And when you serve, your compassion and sensitivity fortify the very soul of the nation.

 

This year marks 77 years of ABVP’S foundation. Over these decades, ABVP has set a unique example of unwavering commitment to its fundamental ideals of working in the nation’s interest. Despite being a student organization, ABVP has consistently addressed numerous societal concerns alongside its work in the field of education. Today, the Parishad has excelled in its work by providing opportunities that cater to the diverse interests of students. Through ‘SFS – Students for Seva,’ the workers of the Vidyarthi Parishad are engaged in various forms of service, fulfilling their social responsibilities with dedication. Whether its providing assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, arranging food for the needy, or caring for destitute animals, ABVP workers have contributed in every possible way through creative and innovative approaches. Additionally, more than 5000 ‘Parishad ki Paathshala’ are being run by Parishad workers to teach underprivileged and marginalized students who cannot afford formal education. ABVP believes that the nation’s development should occur without causing destruction. In line with this vision, it has presented a new model of development – SFD (Students for Development) – to society. This initiative emphasizes environmental consciousness and holistic care, fostering concern for nature, water, forests, land, people, and animals.

 

It seeks to instill a sense of empathy among students towards all these elements and encourages their active participation in various activities aimed at their protection and preservation. The ABVP has taken numerous initiatives catering to diverse student interests – Rashtriya Kala Manch for those passionate about the arts, Khelo India for students involved in sports, Medivision for medical students, Agrivision for those in agricultural studies, and Jigyasa for students of Ayurveda, among many others. Today, ABVP units are active across the entire nation– from the North-Eastern states to Kutch in the west, from the southern-most tip of Kanyakumari to the snow-clad landscapes of Ladakh in the north. Even in Andaman Islands, ABVP units remain ever-ready to extend their support and assistance to citizens. In ABVP, a worker may actively serve for four to five years during their student life, but the lessons they gain remain with them for a lifetime. Regardless of the field they later choose, they continue to work with dedication for society and the nation. Guided by this philosophy, ABVP, with over 5.9 million members dedicated to the service of the nation, continues to work unwaveringly towards realizing its vision of making India the ‘Vishwa-Guru’, becoming the world’s largest student organization in the process. Today, India stands as the nation with the largest youth population in the world, brimming with new passion, energy, intellect, zeal and unparalleled leadership potential.

 

The ABVP firmly believes that youth is the force capable of turning the impossible into possible. The day the youth of this country wholeheartedly contribute to its progress – through education, medicine, knowledge, science, technology, literature, and beyond and recognizes their inner strengths, creativity, and capacity for innovation, becoming resolute in their mission to rebuild India, that day India will once again emerge as the pride of the earth, the sacred playground of nature, and the leader of the world. In essence, India will reclaim its rightful place as the ‘Vishwa Guru’. (The author is the State Secretary, Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarti Parishad, Mahakaushal, Madhya Pradesh)