Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, born on 25 September 1916 in Nagla Chandraban village, Mathura District, Uttar Pradesh, stands out as one of India's most influential politicians and philosophers. Despite being born a Brahmin, he faced early misfortune when he lost both his parents by the age of eight. His maternal uncle and aunt took him in and encouraged his education. Upadhyaya excelled academically, receiving scholarships and awards throughout his studies. The Maharaja of Sikar awarded him a gold medal for his outstanding high school performance.
Early Involvement in Politics
By 1937, while studying at Sanatan Dharma College in Kanpur, Upadhyaya had already become an RSS activist. His work with the RSS marked the beginning of his lifetime dedication to nationalist activities. By 1942, he had devoted himself fully to RSS work, eventually becoming one of its leading organizers.
Founding Bharatiya Jana Sangh
In 1951, Deendayal Upadhyaya co-founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) alongside Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee as an alternative to the Indian National Congress. As General Secretary of the BJS for several decades, Upadhyaya played a key role in building its ideological foundation with the concept of Integral Humanism, which blended individual interests with a collective approach under the spirit of cultural nationalism. Under his leadership, the BJS grew significantly, becoming a major political force in the late 1960s.
Integral Humanism
Upadhyaya introduced the philosophy of Integral Humanism, which called for a balanced approach to integrating spiritual values with material progress. He envisioned a decentralized political system and a self-reliant economy centred around villages, with local industries and sustainable practices playing a central role. His ideas were rooted in Indian cultural values and promoted social harmony and economic self-reliance.
Legacy and Death
Deendayal Upadhyaya's life ended under mysterious circumstances while travelling by train on February 11, 1968. News of his death shocked many, and the circumstances surrounding it remain widely debated. His legacy lives on through his writings and speeches, influencing Indian politics to this day. His vision of "one India" and service for all Indians continues to resonate in the country’s political landscape.
Antyodaya Diwas is celebrated annually on September 25 in India to honour the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. This day serves as a reminder of his contributions to the upliftment of marginalized communities and reflects his philosophy of Antyodaya, which means the rise of the last person in society. The concept emphasizes ensuring that the most disadvantaged individuals are prioritized in social and economic development efforts.
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