Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay: His Ideals and Contemporary Relevance
Context:
The Prime Minister paid tributes to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay at Deendayal Upadhyay National Memorial at Dhanakya in Jaipur.
About:
- Upadhyay was born in 1916 in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
- He was a prominent Indian politician from the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the present-day Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- Beyond his political affiliations, his ideas have left a remarkable mark on India’s intellectual and political landscape.
Main Highlights:
- Integral humanism is one of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s defining philosophies. It advocates for “a classless, casteless, and conflict-free social order” and envisions the integration of India’s indigenous culture with its social, political, and economic fabric. This recognizes the importance of materialism, spiritualism, and prudent desires, each contributing to the pursuit of happiness. Upadhyay stressed that an economic index alone can’t measure satisfaction or happiness.
- Rediscovering Bharat: He championed the decolonization of Indian political thought by stating that the Indian intellect was being stifled by Western theories. He was convinced that this stifling effect hindered the growth of the authentic Bharatiya identity. Apparently, he welcomed modern technology as well, but rather insisted on those that suits India’s unique requirements.
- Decentralized Polity and Self-reliant Economy: He dreamt of a decentralized polity and a self-reliant economy, with villages as the cornerstone which aligned with the principles of local governance and self-sufficiency. He was against the idea of identity-based voting and caste polarization.
- People-Centric Politics and Welfare: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay vehemently was against the divisive left-right political spectrum. He argued that politics should be controlled by the masses rather than the affluent elite.
- Legacy and Contemporary Significance: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s legacy is exemplified through various government schemes bearing his name, such as-
- Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY)
- Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
- Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana
- Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shramev Jayate Karyakram
- Deendayal Upadhyaya Swaniyojan Yojana (DUSY)
(To reflect his commitment to poverty alleviation, rural development, and skill enhancement)
