The country is commemorating the birth centenary celebrations of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.
A scrutiny at his principles and philosophies, and their relevance in present day India thus becomes essential.
Who is Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay?
Born in Mathura, UP in 1916, Deendayal Upadhyay is an Indian politician.
He was one of the most important leaders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the forerunner of the present day Bharatiya Janata Party.
He qualified the civil services examination, where he got his nickname as Panditji for appearing in the examination hall wearing traditional dhoti-kurta and cap.
He however did not join the service, but became in 1942, a life-time volunteer of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
However, Upadhyaya is seen to have played a larger role in India’s thought process and political life, transcending party lines.
What are his key philosophies?
Integral humanism - Deendayal Upadhyay is best remembered for his principle of "integral humanism" which is defined as "a classless, casteless and conflict-free social order".
It talks about the integration of indigenous "Indian culture" with the social, political and economic fabric of the nation.
It provides for a holistic idea of human welfare.
It envisions a synthesis of materialism, spiritualism and cautious desire, as each have a role in achieving happiness.
And that an economic index cannot be the sole measure of satisfaction or happiness.
Bharat - He wanted to decolonise Indian political thought as he felt that the Indian intellect was getting suffocated by Western theories.
This, he believed, left a roadblock to the growth and expansion of the original Bharatiya.
He did welcomed modern technology but wanted it to be adapted to suit the Indian requirements.
Polity - He visualised for India a decentralised polity and self-reliant economy with the village as the base.
He spoke against caste polarisation and identity-based voting.
He wanted people to do their duty while exercising their franchise “in a judicious and intelligent manner”.
Welfare - He strongly argued against the left-right division as being detrimental to the growth of a constructive, transformative pro-people ideology.
He strongly believed that politics must be controlled by the masses, and not the wealthy.
He thus cautioned that Neoliberalism could challenge democracy, and emphasized that people's welfare should not be compromised for corporate interests.
He was particular that powerful lobbies should not emerge in the country’s legislatures and political decisions.
He pleaded for diversities in economic and social philosophies against a single meta-narrative ruling the world or a nation.
Many of Upadhyay's principles thus find more relevance today than in his own time.
Quick Facts
Major Schemes in his name
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) - integrating the NULM and NRLM for alleviating poverty.
Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) Antyodaya Diwas - to diversify the incomes of rural poor families and to cater to the career aspirations of rural youth.
Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana - to provide electricity to rural homes.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shramev Jayate Karyakram - to create a conducive environment for industrial development primarily through skill training.
Deendayal Upadhyaya Swaniyojan Yojana (DUSY) - the rural version of the Start Up India scheme.
