A lifetime devoted to nation, ideology and public service

A few days ago, we lost one of our seniormost leaders, Shri Vijay Kumar Malhotra Ji.

- NARENDRA MODI

A few days ago, we lost one of our seniormost leaders, Shri Vijay Kumar Malhotra Ji. He lived a long and accomplished life, but, more impor tantly, he led a life of relentless hard work, determination and service. A glimpse of his life will make everyone understand the core ethos of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Jana Sangh, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): Courage in the face of adversity, service above self, and a deep-rooted commitment to national and cultural values.

The family of V K Malhotra Ji suffered the horrors of partition. The trauma and displacement did not make him bitter or inward-looking.

Instead, he immersed himself in serving others. He found his calling in the ideology of the RSS and the Jana Sangh. Those were indeed very challenging times. Malhotra Ji dedicated himself to social work, helping thousands of displaced families that had lost everything rebuild their lives. This was also the guiding spirit of the Jana Sangh. His fellow karyakartas in those days included Madan Lal Khurana Ji and Kidar Nath Sahani Ji. People like them and countless others were at the forefront of selfless service, which resonated with the people of Delhi.

It is well known that the Lok Sabha and various state Assembly elections of 1967 were a shocker for the allpowerful Congress. A lesserknown election which took place was the first ever Delhi Metropolitan Council election. In the national capital, the Jana Sangh secured a resounding victory. Shri LK Advani Ji became the chairman of the council, and Malhotra Ji was given the responsibility of being the chief executive councillor, which is roughly equivalent to being chief minister. He was only 36 then. He used his tenure to address the needs of Delhi, especially on infrastructure and civic issues.