SHAPING INDIA’S INTEGRAL HUMANISM AND ANTYODAYA

In the quest for a resplendent and equitable India, the reverberations of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s visionary ideologies continue to resonate through the actions of his ideological successor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The roots of this political philosophy, deeply embedded in the concept of integral humanism and Antyodaya, have begun to yield fruit as India treads the path towards becoming a global leader.

Integral humanism, the brainchild of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, envisioned a uniquely Indian perspective on post-independence reconstruction. At its core, this ideology prioritized the well-being and contentment of every common citizen as the ultimate aim of economic development. According to him, the cultural fabric of India, encompassing its way of life, art, literature, and philosophy, was the bedrock of Indian nationalism. This cultural unity, he believed, was the linchpin of national cohesion.

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay was adamant that the eradication of poverty and illiteracy was a prerequisite for qualitative progress in the nation. His tireless efforts, combined with his impressive organizational skills, played a pivotal role in the formation of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, a precursor to today’s Bharatiya Janata Party. Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of the party, recognized Upadhyay’s prowess and once remarked that having two Deendayals could transform India’s political landscape. Tragically, his promising leadership was cut short when he was brutally assassinated in 1968 after serving just 44 days as the President of Jana Sangh.

Fast forward to today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is advancing the principles of integral humanism. The Modi administration’s central focus revolves around uplifting and empowering the weakest and poorest segments of society. Over the last nine years, the government has passionately embraced Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s philosophy of integral humanism and Antyodaya, with the overarching goal of enhancing the well-being of the impoverished. This commitment is evident in the government’s motto: “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas.”

The tangible results of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership are manifest in the tangible benefits reaching the impoverished, marginalized, and vulnerable citizens across India. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s vision of holistic individual and societal development, encompassing not only economic and social aspects but also overall well-being, is being realized through Modi’s government.

In today’s context, the values emanating from integral humanism have become indispensable in societal life. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay advocated for cooperation, coordination, and coexistence in all aspects of life, be it as a thinker, editor, philosopher, or economist. His emphasis on shared social responsibilities for the welfare of deprived sections and the nation as a whole remains highly relevant.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established numerous research institutions in Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s name, aiming to propagate his visionary ideas. Several schemes, such as Deendayal Upadhyay Swarojgar Yojana, Deendayal Upadhyay Grah Awas Vikas Yojana, and Deendayal Upadhyay Kisan Kalyan Yojana, have been launched, benefiting countless citizens. States, too, have initiated public welfare programs bearing Upadhyay’s name.

To commemorate his memory, institutions, and initiatives have been established, including the renaming of the Mughalsarai Railway Station as Deendayal Upadhyay Junction. Coaches dedicated to economically weaker passengers have also been introduced in trains. Furthermore, a life-size statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay was unveiled yesterday on September 25th, 2023 at Deendayal Upadhyay Udyan near the central office of the BJP.

Today, the world looks upon India with optimism, primarily due to the policies rooted in integral humanism and the relentless pursuit of Antyodaya by the Modi government. As we celebrate the birth anniversary of this luminary of Indian politics, let us pay our respects to the great saint, philosopher, and thinker who illuminated the path of cultural nationalism and contributed to India’s brighter future.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Dr Rakesh Mishra The writer is Former State President, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad Mahakaushal