Government is only one thread in the complex fabric of our society, which also includes culture, people, and nation. The harmony of these four elements is the key to the collective happiness of our nation, or as we call it, “samashti.” This holistic perspective forms the cornerstone of Integral Humanism, a visionary concept gifted to independent India by the eminent thinker Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.
Integral Humanism, a term coined by Upadhyaya, places the human being at the nucleus of the social, political, and economic framework. This ideology underscores that an individual is a fusion of body, mind, intelligence, and soul, and these components are intrinsically interconnected. Each of these corresponds to four universal objectives: Dharma (moral duties), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire or satisfaction), and Moksha (total liberation or ‘salvation’).
Upadhyaya actively rejected systems where individualism govern supreme or where it was crushed within a heartless, giant machinery, such as communism. Instead, he proposed a view of society as a natural living organism, born with a definitive ‘national soul’ or ‘ethos.’ The needs of this social organism mirrored those of the individual, forming a symbiotic relationship that was essential for the nation’s well-being.
Integral Humanism, as conceived by Deendayal Upadhyaya, was envisioned to provide an ideological foundation for the unification of India into a cohesive entity, a ‘One India.’ This philosophy emphasised the inherent interconnectedness of every citizen and their role in nation-building.
Today, we witness the manifestation of this visionary philosophy in action through Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance. PM Modi has consistently emphasised Deendayal Upadhyaya’s dream of uplifting the most marginalised sections of society, encapsulated in the term “Antyodaya.” Upadhyaya’s vision of placing the welfare of those at the lowest rung of society at the forefront of political thinking has found its way into the heart of India’s leadership.
As PM Modi has affirmed, Deendayal Upadhyaya’s vision has profoundly inspired his Government. This profound influence has been shaped by Upadhyaya’s emphasis on a human-centric approach, striking a harmonious balance between welfare, well-being, and wealth. This approach deviates from the conventional economic systems of capitalism and socialism, where private individuals or the public hold sway over the means of production. Instead, it paves the way for what can be termed as a “Human Centric Model of Development.”
In essence, PM Modi’s Human Centric Model of Development charts a course that stands as a third way, diverging from the well-trodden paths of capitalism and socialism. So, can we say that it follows the footsteps of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, championing a holistic vision where individuals, society, and the nation thrive together?
Integral Humanism, the brainchild of Deendayal Upadhyaya, is not merely a philosophical concept. It is a guiding principle that shapes India’s policies and programs. The approach recognises that society is a complex web of relationships where every citizen plays a crucial role in the nation’s progress. To achieve this, the Government have to ensure the welfare of its people to be at the forefront of its agenda.
One of the key aspects of Integral Humanism is the concept of Antyodaya, which translates to “upliftment of the last person.” Upadhyaya believed that the success of a nation should be measured by the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. This principle has become a central tenet of PM Modi’s governance. His policies, such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Ayushman Bharat, are all aimed at improving the lives of those at the grassroots level. So it can be assumed that the focus is not just on economic growth but on inclusive development that reaches every corner of the country.
The Human Centric Model of Development championed by PM Modi also presents an alternative to the dichotomy of capitalism and socialism. Capitalism, with its emphasis on private ownership and market forces, has led to economic disparities and social inequalities. On the other hand, socialism, with its focus on collective ownership, often stifles innovation and individual initiative.
PM Modi’s approach strikes a delicate balance between these two extremes. It recognises the importance of private enterprise and entrepreneurship in driving economic growth. Still, it also emphasises the Government’s role in ensuring that the benefits of development are equitably distributed. This “middle path” approach acknowledges that both individual and collective efforts are essential for the nation’s progress.
In addition to it, Integral Humanism encompasses a deep sense of cultural and national identity. It recognises that a nation is not just a geographical entity but a living organism with its unique ethos and soul. This perspective is crucial in a diverse country like India, where multiple cultures and traditions coexist. PM Modi’s leadership has been instrumental in promoting India’s cultural heritage and national pride. Initiatives like “Make in India” and “Digital India” not only boost economic growth but also celebrate India’s rich cultural diversity. By combining economic development with cultural preservation, PM Modi’s Government is fostering a sense of unity and national identity among its citizens.
We can say that, the legacy of Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Integral Humanism is alive and thriving in the policies and governance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Human Centric Model of Development represents a “third way” that transcends the limitations of conventional economic ideologies. It places the well-being of individuals and the integrity of society at the forefront of the nation’s agenda. As India continues to progress on this path, it is not merely building a stronger economy but also a more compassionate and harmonious society, true to the spirit of Integral Humanism.
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