Inauguration of ABVP’s Central Office ‘Yashwant’ — A Symbol of Vision, Purpose & National Unity

Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) inaugurated its central office, Yashwant, in New Delhi today — envisioned as the nerve centre of its national integration initiative, Students’ Experience in Interstate Living (SEIL). The new headquarters was formally inaugurated by Param Pujya Dr. Mohanrao Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The inauguration was attended by several key dignitaries, including SEIL Trust President Atul Kulkarni, ABVP National President Prof. Rajsharan Shahi, National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki, Head of National Girl Students’ Wing Dr. Manu Sharma Kataria, Delhi State President Tapan Bihari, and State Secretary Sarthak Sharma.

Also present at the ceremony were former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, and senior RSS functionaries including Mukund C.R., Dr. Krishna Gopal, Arun Kumar, and Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar. ABVP’s National Organizing Secretary Ashish Chauhan also marked his presence.

Underscoring the national significance of the event, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, J.P. Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan, Piyush Goyal, and Mansukh Mandaviya attended the inauguration, alongside Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohanrao Bhagwat said, “The establishment of such a vibrant office in a strategic city like Delhi, built with student collaboration, is a milestone. Named after the eminent ideologue and educationist Yashwantrao Kelkar on his centenary, this office stands as a living embodiment of the values he championed — knowledge, character, and unity. An office must not just be a building, but a living space of commitment and action.” He further emphasised that ABVP draws its strength from grassroots activists, whose commitment has shaped the organisation even during periods of national adversity. The mission, he said, is to build a nation where true freedom thrives — led by youth empowered with knowledge, direction, and unity.

Prof. Rajsharan Shahi said, “The realisation of Yashwant is the fruit of years of dedication and sacrifice by hundreds of karyakartas. This office will serve as a powerful centre of coordination and a launchpad for the next phase of youth-led nation-building.”

Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki noted that ABVP’s reach has now expanded across the country, including more than two lakh members in Northeast India and operations in over 200 locations. Recalling the vision for a central office conceived during the challenging period of 1980–1985, he said, “This centre is not just a hub; it’s a source of inspiration to extend our outreach to the remotest regions of India.”

Initiated in 1966, the SEIL project aims to promote cultural harmony and emotional integration between the Northeast and the rest of the country. With the opening of the Yashwant campus, the initiative is poised to grow further — fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

The nine-storey Yashwant complex includes two basements, a ground floor, and six upper levels. It houses a 150-seat state-of-the-art auditorium, a multipurpose hall, a research library, and dormitories to accommodate students from the Northeast for extended academic stays. At the heart of the campus stands a 12-foot, 1,250-kg ashtadhatu statue of Swami Vivekananda, alongside an 850-kg marble engraving of Goddess Saraswati outside the auditorium. The campus also features an open-air amphitheatre and a terrace garden designed with sustainability in mind, maximizing natural light and ventilation in line with modern green-building norms.

With this step, ABVP reaffirms its commitment to youth empowerment, national unity, and holistic education — turning a long-cherished vision into a living reality.