Antyodaya Diwas: A Day Honouring the Legacy of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay for Uplifting the Weaker Sections

Antyodaya Diwas, celebrated on September 25 each year, marks the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, a prominent Indian politician, philosopher, and social thinker. Upadhyay was known for his contributions to the socio-economic fabric of India. His vision centred around the upliftment of the marginalized section and hence the concept of "Antyodaya" which means "uplifting the weaker sections of the society" was followed by him. This day serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy and the principles he championed. 

Who was Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay?

Born on September 25, 1916, in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, Upadhyay was a prominent thinker and politician. He grew up in a Brahmin family in a small Nagla Chandrabhan in the Mathura district. He completed his high schooling in Sikar and later his intermediate education in Pilani, Rajasthan, which is now known as Birla School, Pilani. He pursued a BA degree at Sanatan Dharma College in Kanpur and later planned to take a master's degree which he couldn't complete. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1937 when he was at the SDC in Kanpur. 

In 1942, Upadhyay decided to commit himself entirely to the RSS. He attended a 40-day summer camp in Nagpur, where he received training in Sangh education. After completing his second-year training in the RSS Education Wing, Upadhyaya became a lifelong pracharak (preacher) of the RSS. When Syama Prasad Mukherjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) the predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1951, the RSS selected Deendayal Upadhyay to collaborate with the party and bring it closer to the ideals of the Sangh Parivar. Prior to becoming the party's national general secretary, he served as the BJS's general secretary in Uttar Pradesh. 

The Concept of Antyodaya

During his career in politics, he played an instrumental role in shaping the ideology of integral humanism. This philosophy emphasised the importance of individual well-being while fostering collective prosperity. Upadhyay's approach sought to address the socio-economic disparities prevalent in Indian society. He believed in the concept of "Antyodaya." 

This motto of Deendayal was to foster inclusivity in society, which became a major policy for the party. It emphasises the need for sustainable development that lifts the underprivileged. Upadhyay's vision called for comprehensive strategies that integrate social welfare with economic growth, focusing on the holistic development of individuals. The essence of Antyodaya can be seen in various government initiatives that seek to empower the marginalized. Programs aimed at poverty alleviation, skill development, and social security reflect his belief that true progress is measured by the well-being of the least privileged in society. 

On this day, throughout the country, various activities and programs are held to commemorate Upadhyay's efforts. These festivities frequently involve seminars, workshops, and community engagement projects designed to promote his ideas. Government and non-government organisations explore how to adopt policies that are consistent with Antyodaya's objectives.