New Delhi, December 28, 2024 — The Shankar Dayal Singh Memorial Lecture 2024, held at the NDMC Convention Centre on December 27, honored the legacy of the late writer and former Member of Parliament. The lecture, focused on “Hamari Jarurate aur Chahte” (Our Needs and Desires), brought together prominent figures to reflect on Singh’s enduring influence on literature, politics, and society.

Tributes to a Saintly Author

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, was the Chief Guest and hailed Shankar Dayal Singh as a "saintly author" committed to truth above all else. Sinha praised Singh`s courage to speak honestly, especially in his landmark book "Emergency: Kya Sach, Kya Jhoot", which chronicled the political upheaval during India`s Emergency period. Singh’s unflinching dedication to truth, regardless of personal cost, was central to his legacy.

In his address, Shri Manoj Sinha also critiqued the culture of accumulation, calling it a “disease” that distorts our understanding of true needs. He pointed out that while Western societies are beginning to recognize the dangers of this cycle, the advertising industry continues to fuel the myth that desires are actually needs, leading to a never-ending quest for more.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati Remembers Singh’s Spiritual Contributions

Swami Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan shared fond memories of his association with Singh, particularly their collaboration on the Hindu World Encyclopedia. Reflecting on Singh`s sudden passing, Swami Ji described it as a spiritual journey guided by divine will.

The Core Theme: Understanding True Needs

Swami Chidanand Saraswati, the keynote speaker, emphasized that true fulfillment comes not from material accumulation, but from relationships. He cautioned that focusing on desires often blinds us to our actual needs. Lieutenant Governor Sinha echoed this, calling accumulation a “disease” and highlighting how advertising distorts desires into perceived needs.

Family Tribute and Vote of Thanks

Ranjan Kumar Singh, the son of Shankar Dayal Singh, expressed gratitude to attendees for their support, noting the large turnout despite the rain.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Rashmi Singh, Shankar Dayal Singh’s daughter, who is currently an IAS Officer and the Principal Resident Commissioner for Jammu & Kashmir Government. Dr. Singh concluded the event by quoting from her father’s book,

The event, moderated by Dr. Vartika Nanda, Head of Journalism at Lady Shree Ram College, served as a powerful reminder of Singh’s philosophical and literary contributions, while sparking important discussions on the balance between needs and desires in contemporary life.

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