PM Modi, Yogi Adityanath condole demise of VHP veteran leader Anand Shankar Pandya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other prominent BJP leaders expressed their grief at the demise of the former Vice President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Anand Shankar Pandya on Thursday. Pandya died on Wednesday night at his residence in Borli, Mumbai. He was over 99 years old. VHP leader's last rites were performed Thursday in Mumbai

PM Modi remembered Anand Shankar Pandya as a prolific author and eminent leader. He also recollected his interactions with the late VHP intellectual. "Shri Anand Shankar Pandya Ji was a prolific author and public intellectual who wrote extensively on history, public policy and spirituality. He was passionate about India's growth. He was active in the VHP and worked selflessly towards social service. Saddened by his demise," PM Modi wrote in a tweet expressing grief.
 

"My mind goes back to the many interactions I had with Shri Anand Shankar Pandya Ji. It was a delight to hear from him several anecdotes of his interactions with great freedom fighters and insights on issues. Spoke to his family and expressed condolences on his demise. Om Shanti," he added further in another tweet.

Expressing grief at the demise of the VHP leader, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda said Pandya's contributions to society are inspiring.

"It is very sad to hear about the passing away of former Vice President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Anand Shankar Pandya. His contribution as a thinker, thinker and writer who selflessly devoted his entire life to the service of the nation is inspiring. My deepest sympathies to their families. Om Shanti," Nadda wrote in a tweet.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also reacted to the grim news and said that he has been shocked and saddened by the demise of the tall leader, who had guided VHP workers for many years. Taking to his official Koo account, he wrote, "The death of famous writer Shri Anand Shankar Pandya Ji, former vice-president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, is extremely sad. His dedication towards social welfare with selflessness throughout life will always be a guide for us. May Lord Shri Ram grant the departed soul a place at his feet."
 

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was established on 29 August 1964 on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami under Saint Shakti of India. As per the organization, the VHP aims to organize Hindu society, protect Hinduism, and serve society. The VHP is seen as a strong, effective, permanent, and ever-growing organization in millions of villages and towns in India. The organization says, that it is strengthening the roots of Hindu society through more than 1,00,000 service projects in the areas of health, education, self-empowerment, village education mandir etc.

Image: PTI