September 25, 2024 | Local & Political Desk

As India marks Antyodaya Diwas 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have taken center stage in honoring the legacy of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the visionary leader behind the philosophy of Antyodaya—the upliftment of the last person. This annual observance, celebrated on Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary on September 25, serves as a reminder of his dedication to empowering the most marginalized sections of society.

Yogi Adityanath’s Grand Celebrations in Lucknow

In Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi Adityanath led the state’s Antyodaya Diwas celebrations with a series of high-profile events in Lucknow, showcasing his administration’s alignment with Upadhyaya’s vision. The Chief Minister participated in a tribute ceremony, laying wreaths at a statue of Deendayal Upadhyaya, and addressing a large gathering of party workers and citizens. Yogi praised Upadhyaya’s philosophy of integral humanism and highlighted how the Uttar Pradesh government’s welfare schemes—from housing for the poor to skill development programs—are rooted in Upadhyaya’s ideals of inclusive growth and social justice.

'अंत्योदय' के भाव के साथ स्वावलंबी भारत के निर्माण हेतु आजीवन समर्पित रहने वाले जनप्रिय राजनेता, प्रखर राष्ट्रवादी विचारक, हमारे प्रेरणास्रोत श्रद्धेय पंडित दीनदयाल उपाध्याय जी की पावन जयंती की पूर्व संध्या पर आज जनपद बाराबंकी में उनकी भव्य प्रतिमा का अनावरण कर पुष्पांजलि अर्पित… pic.twitter.com/gzvUOV829e

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) September 24, 2024

“Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s vision continues to inspire our governance. Our commitment is to ensure that the fruits of development reach the poorest of the poor,” Yogi said during the event, emphasizing the impact of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana in empowering the state’s disadvantaged communities.

PM Modi’s Emotional Tribute on X (Formerly Twitter)

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay a heartfelt tribute to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, calling him a “great nationalist thinker” whose contributions to India’s socio-political landscape are “unforgettable.” Modi’s post, which garnered massive engagement within hours, reiterated the relevance of Antyodaya in modern-day governance, emphasizing the government’s dedication to “uplifting the last person in the queue.”

महान राष्ट्रवादी विचारक पंडित दीनदयाल उपाध्याय जी को उनकी जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन। अंत्योदय की उनकी अवधारणा विकसित भारत के संकल्प की सिद्धि में अमूल्य भूमिका निभाने वाली है। देश के लिए उनका समर्पण और सेवा भाव अविस्मरणीय रहेगा। pic.twitter.com/0tZ4oxcZ01

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 25, 2024

“महान राष्ट्रवादी विचारक पंडित दीनदयाल उपाध्याय जी को उनकी जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन। अंत्योदय की उनकी अवधारणा विकसित भारत के संकल्प की सिद्धि में अमूल्य भूमिका निभाने वाली है,” PM Modi wrote, reaffirming his administration’s pledge to Upadhyaya’s vision.

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Enduring Political Legacy

Born in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, on September 25, 1916, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya co-founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), the forerunner of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and was a key figure in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Known for his philosophy of integral humanism, Upadhyaya envisioned a society that promotes social justice, economic equality, and self-reliance, principles that continue to shape India’s development trajectory.

In 2014, Prime Minister Modi officially declared September 25 as Antyodaya Diwas to honor Upadhyaya’s contributions, making it a national observance aimed at promoting welfare programs that target the upliftment of the poor.

Government Schemes Aligned with Upadhyaya’s Vision

On Antyodaya Diwas 2024, government and non-government organizations across the country are organizing seminars, workshops, and skill development programs to reflect on Upadhyaya’s ideals. The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY), under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), continues to play a pivotal role in providing employment and livelihood opportunities for the rural poor. Similarly, Aajeevika Skills, another initiative rebranded under Upadhyaya’s name, focuses on enhancing employability and self-reliance among marginalized communities.

A Day of National Significance

Both Modi and Yogi’s tributes highlight how Antyodaya Diwas is not just a day of remembrance, but an active call for addressing inequality and ensuring inclusive growth in line with Upadhyaya’s principles. The renaming of Mughalsarai Junction to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction in 2018, among other honors, stands as a testament to his enduring influence on Indian politics.

As the nation celebrates Antyodaya Diwas, the focus remains on extending the benefits of economic growth and welfare schemes to the most vulnerable sections of society, ensuring that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s vision continues to guide the country’s developmental goals.