Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya: The Visionary Ideologue

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, an eminent philosopher, organizer, and political leader, left an indelible mark on India’s political landscape. As the leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), the precursor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), his legacy continues to inspire generations. Let’s delve into his life, ideals, and the impact he had on Indian politics.

Early Life and Education

• Birth: Born on September 25, 1916, in Nagla Chandraban (now Deendayal Dham), near Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, Upadhyaya hailed from a Brahmin family.
• Education: He pursued his education at Sanatan Dharma College in Kanpur and later at St. John’s College in Agra.

Association with the RSS

• RSS Connection: Upadhyaya came into contact with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his college days.
• Lifelong Pracharak: After completing his training in the RSS Education Wing, he became a lifelong pracharak (full-time worker) of the RSS.

Integral Humanism and Ideological Contributions

• Integral Humanism: Upadhyaya formulated the political doctrine of Integral Humanism, which blended cultural nationalism, Gandhian socialist principles, and self-sufficiency (swadeshi).
• Bharatiya Jana Sangh: He played a crucial role in drafting the official political doctrine of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS).

Advocacy for Sustainable Consumption:

• Deendayal Upadhyaya advocated for ‘Samyanit Upabhog’, which translates to sustainable consumption.
• He opposed the exploitation of nature practiced by capitalist societies in the West.

Legacy and Honors

• Memorial Center and Statue: In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Memorial Centre in Varanasi, along with unveiling a 63-foot statue of Upadhyaya.

Conclusion

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s vision of an inclusive and self-reliant India continues to shape our nation. As we remember this stalwart, let us strive to uphold the values he stood for.

List of postage stamp issue on Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay

• 1978 - 25p - First postage stamp issued
• 2015 - 5Rs
• 2016 - 10Rs
• 2018 - 25Rs