**Executive Summary**
The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, visited the Harijan Sevak Sangh at Gandhi Ashram in New Delhi on January 20, 2026. He inaugurated the Mahadev Desai Library Extension and spoke about Gandhian ideals. During the programme, he released the book 'Age of Enlightenment: Mahatma Gandhi's Vision' and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Thakkar Bapa, and Vinoba Bhave.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Inauguration and Visit:**
* The Vice-President inaugurated the Mahadev Desai Library Extension at the Gandhi Ashram.
* He also visited the Kasturba Museum located within the Ashram.
* **Gandhian Ideals and Social Transformation:**
* He highlighted Gandhian ideals of simplicity, service, and social responsibility.
* He emphasized that libraries are instruments of social transformation.
* He underscored the importance of service to society as a moral obligation.
* He recalled Gandhiji's advocacy of Swadeshi.
* **Harijan Sevak Sangh:**
* The Vice-President lauded the Harijan Sevak Sangh for its service to society.
* He noted its role in supporting education and overcoming social evils like untouchability.
* **Book Release:**
* The Vice-President released the book “Age of Enlightenment: Mahatma Gandhi's Vision" authored by Prof. Dr. Sankar Kumar Sanyal.
**Impact Analysis**
**Gandhian Fraternity**
* **Impact:** The Gandhian fraternity is impacted through the Vice-President's emphasis on Gandhian ideals, tributes, and the book release, reinforcing the values and vision of Mahatma Gandhi.
* **Action Required:** Continued commitment to promoting and upholding Gandhian principles in their work and lives.
**Harijan Sevak Sangh**
* **Impact:** The Harijan Sevak Sangh is affected by the Vice-President's recognition and praise, which acknowledges their contribution to society and bolsters their ongoing efforts.
* **Action Required:** Continue their work in education, awareness, and service, focusing on overcoming social evils.
**Society at Large**
* **Impact:** The society at large is impacted through the emphasis on social responsibility, the importance of education, and the need to overcome social evils, promoting a more just and equitable society.
* **Action Required:** Embrace the values of service, simplicity, and social responsibility, contributing to nation-building and creating a more inclusive society.
Key Entities Referenced
Harijan Sevak Sangh: Organization highlighted for its Gandhian ideals and service to society, particularly in addressing social evils like untouchability.
Gandhi Ashram: Location of the event and historically significant site where the Vice-President visited and inaugurated the Mahadev Desai Library Extension.
Mahadev Desai Library Extension: Inaugurated by the Vice-President, symbolizing the enduring importance of knowledge and social transformation.
New Delhi: Location where the Harijan Sevak Sangh is located and where the event took place.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice-President Highlights Gandhian Ideals of
Simplicity, Service and Social Responsibility at
Harijan Sevak Sangh, New Delhi
Vice-President Inaugurates Mahadev Desai Library Extension
at Gandhi Ashram
Birth Does Not Define a Person, Character Does: Vice-
President
Libraries Are Instruments of Social Transformation, Says
Vice-President at Gandhi Ashram
Vice-President Lauds Harijan Sevak Sangh for Its Service to
Society
प्रव तथ: 20 JAN 2026 2:45PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today visited the Harijan Sevak Sangh at the
historic Gandhi Ashram in New Delhi, where he inaugurated the Mahadev Desai Library Extension.
Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today visited the Harijan Sevak Sangh at
the Gandhi Ashram in New Delhi, where he inaugurated the Mahadev Desai
Library Extension and released the book ‘Age of Enlightenment: Mahatma
Gandhi’s Vision’, authored by Prof. Dr. Sankar Kumar… pic.twitter.com/zBseLfbLi
L
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 20, 2026
The Vice-President also visited the Kasturba Museum located within the Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi
and Kasturba Gandhi stayed during their visits to Delhi in the 1930s and 1940s. Describing the visit as
deeply emotional, the Vice-President said that walking through the Ashram, including the simple home
and kitchen used by Kasturba Ba, offered a powerful reminder of the austere lives led by India’s leaders,
marked by simplicity, sacrifice and unwavering determination.Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan visited the Kasturba Museum at Gandhi
Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi stayed during their visits
to Delhi.
Describing the visit as deeply emotional, he said the simplicity of their home and
kitchen powerfully reflects the… pic.twitter.com/PovT6YFDaX
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 20, 2026
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said the inauguration of the Mahadev Desai Library
extension was not merely the expansion of a physical space, but a reaffirmation of the belief that
knowledge remains the most enduring instrument of social transformation.
Reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi’s personal transformation, the Vice-President recalled how Gandhiji’s
decision to abandon Western attire was shaped by his encounter with the poverty of Indian farmers,
including at Madurai railway station, where he resolved to wear only Loincloth or Dhoti. He said this
transformation symbolised Gandhiji’s lifelong commitment to identifying with the masses and working for
their upliftment. He also referred to Gandhiji’s advocacy of swadeshi, noting how he opposed India’s
cotton being processed in Manchester and sold back to Indians, and instead championed Swadeshi.
Describing the Harijan Sevak Sangh as a seed planted by Mahatma Gandhi, the Vice-President said its
work has borne lasting fruit by helping the nation overcome social evils such as untouchability through
education, awareness and service. He emphasised that birth does not determine whether an individual is
good or bad; it is character that defines a person.
Recalling the life of former President of India Shri K. R. Narayanan, the Vice-President noted that the
Harijan Sevak Sangh had played a pivotal role in supporting his education and shaping his journey. He
expressed confidence that the Sangh would continue to nurture many more such exemplary individuals in
the future, adding that sincere service to society creates individuals of character and conscience.
Highlighting the reciprocal relationship between the individual and society, the Vice-President said that
while individuals often overlook the role society plays in shaping them, every individual has a duty to give
back to society. He underlined that service to society is both a moral obligation and a pathway to nation-
building.
The Vice-President also lauded the contributions of Gujarat to the nation, expressing gratitude for three
towering personalities it has given India—Mahatma Gandhi for the nation’s freedom, Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel for national unity, and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the country’s development.
During the programme, the Vice-President released the book “Age of Enlightenment: Mahatma Gandhi’s
Vision” authored by Prof. Dr. Sankar Kumar Sanyal, for the Gandhian fraternity. He also paid floral
tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Thakkar Bapa and Vinoba Bhave.
Those present on the occasion included Prof. Dr. Sankar Kumar Sanyal, President, Harijan Sevak Sangh;
Shri Naresh Yadav, former Member of Parliament and Vice President, Harijan Sevak Sangh; Shri Laxmi
Dass, former Chairman, KVIC and Vice President, Harijan Sevak Sangh; and other dignitaries.
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PR/ASM
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