Vijayawada, on January 22, witnessed a renewed articulation of Integral Humanism as a guiding philosophy for both present and future governance, with BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santosh asserting that the doctrine remains deeply relevant, even though it was originally propagated when the party was not in power.
Addressing a gathering at the re-enactment of the historic 1965 Bharatiya Jana Sangh national conference, BL Santosh said Ekatmata Manava Darshan, propagated by Deendayal Upadhyaya, was never introduced as a theoretical or debating concept, but was consciously evolved into a guiding principle for the political party after rigorous intellectual engagement.
He said that during the 12th National Conference of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, held from January 23 to 25, 1965, Ekatmata Manava Darshan was adopted as the party’s core principle under the leadership of Pandit Bachyara Vyas, firmly laying the ideological foundation of the organisation in Vijayawada.
Santosh underlined that Integral Humanism is not merely a political idea but a way of life intrinsic to Bharat’s civilisational ethos. He clarified that the philosophy did not invent anything new but explained eternal ideas in the context of contemporary times, much as the Bhagavad Gita has been interpreted across generations since Bhagwan Krishna, each time relating it to the realities of the age.
Tracing its evolution, he said the ideas were first articulated in 1964 at an RSS camp, discussed extensively in 1965, and formally consolidated by 1966. He noted that while many ancient civilisations, such as the Mayan and Persian, have disappeared over time, only two civilisations — China and the Sanatana civilisation — have shown unbroken continuity for over 5,000 years. Bharat’s survival, he said, was possible because it was sustained by a lived societal lifestyle rather than by political systems alone.
Calling for a rejection of colonial and slavery-era mentalities, Santosh echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated appeal to move beyond colonial mindsets. He said Bharat was never a blind follower of the West and cited festivals such as Makara Sankranti and Deepavali as examples of traditions rooted in scientific and cultural reasoning, unlike the blind adoption of January 1 as New Year, which has no civilisational relevance to Bharat.
Reflecting on governance, Santosh said Bharat historically functioned even without formal kings, police, or governments, as society was regulated by values rather than force. He cited the example of a village in Gujarat where, for the last 137 years, there have been no police complaints, and society has been guided purely by dharma. He explained that dharma encompassed all aspects of life — personal, social, economic, and political — and this holistic worldview was later articulated as Ekatmata Manava Darshan.
Addressing its contemporary relevance, Santosh pointed out that while the philosophy was adopted when the party lacked political power, today it is practised by a party that has one Prime Minister, 18 Chief Ministers, over 1,800 MLAs, and around 400 MPs committed to it. He said this transition underscores the enduring relevance of the philosophy.
He further referred to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s framework of interconnectedness between the individual, society, nature, and the supreme reality, stressing that development must be anchored in moral accountability. Citing Mahatma Gandhi, he contrasted Bharat’s ethical view of power with Western power politics driven by unchecked ambition.
Santosh highlighted Antyodaya as the evolution of governance thought — from Rama Rajya to Sarvodaya and finally to Antyodaya — focusing on the last person in society. He cited data from UN agencies indicating that nearly 25 crore people have been lifted out of extreme poverty and said initiatives such as Swachh Bharat have restored dignity across social classes. Environmental indicators, including the increase in fish species in the Ganga, were cited as outcomes of policy aligned with this worldview.
In conclusion, Santosh said that resolutions and ideologies hold value only when translated into social practice. He outlined key commitments, including making India developed by 2047, free of poverty, decolonising the national mindset, and strengthening civic responsibility. He stressed that while the party is in power today, the task of embedding Integral Humanism in everyday life remains a work in progress and requires collective participation.
