Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay on his 109th birth anniversary, hailing his philosophy of integral humanism as a blueprint for India’s prosperity. Speaking on Thursday, Modi described Upadhyay as a “great son of India” whose emphasis on nationalism and the welfare of the underprivileged continues to guide the nation toward its goal of becoming a developed country by 2047.

Upadhyay, born in Mathura in 1916, was a key figure in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and a founding leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the BJP. His doctrine of integral humanism advocates for a development model rooted in Indian cultural values, prioritising economic self-reliance and social equity. This philosophy underpins the BJP’s policies, including initiatives like “Make in India” and poverty alleviation programmes aimed at empowering the marginalised.

The BJP is marking Upadhyay’s anniversary as part of its ongoing “Seva Pakhwada” (service fortnight), launched on September 17 to celebrate Modi’s birthday. Nationwide events include cleanliness drives, health camps, and campaigns promoting Indian-made products to advance the “Swadeshi” movement. BJP President J.P. Nadda joined a cleanliness drive in Delhi, reflecting the party’s commitment to Upadhyay’s ethos of service and community upliftment.

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Modi emphasised that Upadhyay’s ideas remain relevant, inspiring policies that blend tradition with modern governance. As India navigates global challenges, the BJP’s focus on self-reliance and inclusive growth echoes Upadhyay’s vision, positioning his legacy as a cornerstone of the party’s mission to build a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

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