Report by Deepak Pal | Ghaziabad
V. K. Singh celebrated his 74th birthday with spiritual devotion at Shri Dudheshwar Nath Mahadev Temple in Ghaziabad under the divine guidance and blessings of Narayan Giri Maharaj.
The former Union Minister, ex-Member of Parliament from Ghaziabad, and current Governor of Mizoram offered special prayers and performed abhishek of Lord Dudheshwar Mahadev. He also worshipped the deities and revered guru idols present within the temple premises. The rituals were conducted with Vedic traditions by the scholars of Shri Dudheshwar Vedic Education Institute.
Following the prayers, General V.K. Singh sought blessings from Mahant Narayan Giri Maharaj. Praising the veteran leader, Maharaj said that General Singh is a true patriot whose every breath is dedicated to the service of the nation. He stated that the contributions made by General Singh as the 26th Chief of Army Staff continue to inspire people across the world.
Mahant Narayan Giri Maharaj highlighted General Singh’s remarkable service to the nation, whether in the armed forces, public life, or during times of crisis. He particularly mentioned his leadership in rescue and evacuation operations, including the safe evacuation of over 7,000 people from war-hit Yemen and Sudan, the return of the mortal remains of 39 Indians killed in Iraq, and the successful execution of Operation Ganga during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, through which thousands of Indian students were safely evacuated.
The Maharaj also praised General Singh’s role in the 2023 Silkyara tunnel rescue operation in Uttarakhand, where he supervised rescue efforts for 16 days and ensured the safe evacuation of all 41 trapped workers.
Speaking on the occasion, General V.K. Singh said that it is due to the blessings of Lord Dudheshwar Nath and the guidance of Mahant Narayan Giri Maharaj that he has continuously received opportunities to serve the nation. He added that spiritual strength and divine blessings have guided him throughout his life and career.
General V.K. Singh served as the 26th Chief of Army Staff of India and has been honored with several prestigious military awards, including the Yudh Seva Medal (YSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM). In 2011, he became the first Indian Armed Forces officer to be inducted into the International Fellows Hall of Fame at the United States War College.
In his political career, he won the Ghaziabad Lok Sabha seat in both 2014 and 2019 with record margins. He has also served as Minister of State for External Affairs, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, and Minister of State for Civil Aviation.
A large number of devotees and dignitaries attended the celebration at the temple. Temple volunteers welcomed General V.K. Singh with bouquets. Among those present were media in-charge Pintu Suthar, Acharya Laxmikant, Shankar, Deepankar Pandey, and several other devotees and supporters.
