Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Nabin on Friday, 25 September 2026, paid floral tributes to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya at Jaipur, Rajasthan, on the occasion of Upadhyaya's 110th birth anniversary. Nabin recalled Upadhyaya's foundational contributions to the philosophies of 'Antyodaya' (upliftment of the last person in society), integral humanism, and cultural nationalism.

Upadhyaya's Rajasthan Connection

Nabin noted that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya shared a deep bond with Rajasthan, having received his early education in the state. His maternal grandfather's home was situated near Dhankya railway station, where Upadhyaya grew up; his maternal grandfather served as a station master. Nabin said that the guidance and upbringing Upadhyaya received in Rajasthan shaped his later academic and intellectual journey.

He recalled that Upadhyaya secured the first position across the Ajmer region while studying at Sikar Kalyan High School, and subsequently topped his Intermediate examinations in Pilani.

Ideological Legacy and the BJP's Foundations

Nabin described Upadhyaya as 'a great son of Mother India and a proponent of integral humanism,' adding that his life and work would continue to inspire party workers committed to national service. He emphasised that Upadhyaya's ideological contributions had provided direction to the organisation's thinking from the era of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh through to the BJP, laying the intellectual foundations for the party as it stands today.

Invoking Upadhyaya's metaphor of a lamp, Nabin said the true test of a lamp lies not merely in its flame but in how far its light reaches — a principle, he argued, that forms the very basis of Antyodaya.

Linking Antyodaya to Government Schemes

Nabin said the welfare and development schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma are aimed at translating Upadhyaya's Antyodaya principle into grassroots reality. He underscored the role of BJP MLAs, MPs, and representatives of local bodies and panchayats as the 'key drivers' in carrying this spirit to the last person in society.

'Our MLAs, MPs and representatives of local bodies and Panchayats are the key drivers in taking this spirit of Antyodaya to the grassroots,' Nabin said.

Swachhata Seva Abhiyan and Tree Plantation

On the occasion, Nabin also participated in a Swachhata Seva Abhiyan (cleanliness service drive) at Albert Hall in Jaipur, contributing voluntary labour ('shramdaan'). He said cleanliness is a form of service and called upon citizens to maintain clean surroundings. He noted that awareness about cleanliness had grown significantly across the country following Prime Minister Modi's sustained call for sanitation. Nabin also planted a sapling following the cleanliness drive.

Senior Leaders Present

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and State BJP President Madan Rathore were among the senior party leaders who attended the programmes. Nabin concluded by stating that Upadhyaya's birth anniversary was an occasion to reaffirm the commitment to delivering the benefits of development and welfare to every last person in society — a vision he said remained central to the BJP's electoral and governance mandate.