Prime Minister’s Tribute to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya

Why in the news?

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on his birth anniversary.
  • The tribute was made public on September 25, 2024, through a statement released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in Delhi.
  • PM Modi highlighted Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of Antyodaya.
  • The concept emphasises upliftment and empowerment of the poorest sections of society.

Overview of Antyodaya Diwas 2024:

  • Event Name: Antyodaya Diwas 2024
  • Date: September 25, 2024
  • Significance: Commemorates Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary; promotes upliftment of the poorest sections of society.
  • Observed By: Government of India, NGOs, social organisations
  • Objective: Promote social equality and awareness for underprivileged communities.
  • Key Activities: Community service events, workshops, and seminars on poverty alleviation.
  • Organising Bodies: Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • Major Schemes: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, Antyodaya Anna Yojana.

Pt.Deendayal Upadhyaya

Concept of Antyodaya:

  • Meaning: Derived from Sanskrit, meaning the upliftment of the last person in society.
  • Focus: Well-being of the weakest members, ensuring access to basic 

Vision for Developed India:

  • The Prime Minister asserted that Antyodaya will be crucial in realising India’s goal of becoming a developed nation.
  • Modi’s remarks reflect a commitment to inclusive development and social welfare inspired by Upadhyaya’s principles.

Who is Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay?

  • Birth: Born in Mathura, UP in 1916.
  • Political Role: Key leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, predecessor of the BJP.
  • Education: Qualified civil services but chose not to join; became a lifelong volunteer of RSS in 1942.
  • Influence: Impacted India’s political thought beyond party lines.

Key Philosophies:

  • Integral Humanism: Advocates a classless, casteless society integrating Indian culture with social, political, and economic frameworks.
  • Decolonization: Emphasised Indian intellect and adaptation of modern technology for local needs.
  • Decentralised Polity: Promoted self-reliance with a village-centric approach and criticised caste-based politics.
  • Welfare Focus: Warned against neoliberalism harming democracy, stressing that politics should serve the masses over corporate interests.

Major Government  Schemes in His Name:

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana:

  • Integrates NULM and NRLM for poverty alleviation.
  • DDU-GKY: Aims to diversify rural incomes and address youth aspirations.
  • Gram Jyoti Yojana: Provides electricity to rural homes.
  • Shramev Jayate Karyakram: Supports industrial development through skill training.
  • Swaniyojan Yojana: Rural version of Start-Up India.
  • Antyodaya Anna Yojana: Ensures food security for the vulnerable.
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Aims for affordable housing for economically weaker sections.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times