Yavatmal, Sep 29 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked on Monday that the Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader Deendayal Upadhyay devoted his entire existence to integrating the impoverished, marginalized, and underprivileged communities into the mainstream, ensuring their comprehensive development.

To disseminate his principles of Integral Humanism and 'Antyodaya' throughout the nation, the Pandit Deendayal Seva Pratishthan serves as a genuine emblem, the Chief Minister emphasized.

He made these statements during the inauguration of the Deendayal Upadhyay Jayanti celebrations organized by the Deendayal Seva Pratishthan in Yavatmal.

Chief Minister Fadnavis noted that this institution, founded approximately 25 years ago in Yavatmal, has now burgeoned like a magnificent banyan tree.

The institution has been providing assistance to women from farming families impacted by suicides, as well as supporting the exceedingly marginalized Pardhi tribal community, he further elaborated.

The Pratishthan has established a living testament to social transformation, inspired by Pandit Deendayal's vision of Integral Humanism and Antyodaya, the Chief Minister remarked.

He highlighted Deendayal Upadhyay's life journey, stating that despite facing numerous challenges, he pursued education with unwavering commitment.

Even when presented with a government position, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader chose to refuse it, dedicating his life to community service instead.

After engaging with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Deendayal Upadhyay became a full-time worker.

Subsequently, with the establishment of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, he took on responsibilities as the head of Uttar Pradesh, All-India General Secretary, and eventually National President.

Despite occupying such esteemed positions, he led a life of humility and sacrifice.

“During Deendayalji's era, capitalism and communism dominated global discourse. Yet, he presented a third option—affirming that India's unique way of life holds the key to social and economic transformation. The essence of Integral Humanism resides in Antyodaya—the belief that true national progress can only be realized by uplifting the most marginalized individuals in society. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has continued this vision, implementing initiatives for housing, toilets, LPG connections, electricity, and employment for the underprivileged. Consequently, over the past decade, 25 crore individuals have escaped poverty, propelling India's economy from the 11th to the fourth largest globally,” the Chief Minister stated.

He also mentioned that the Deendayal Seva Pratishthan has initiated a model project on natural farming, reflecting Deendayalji's principles.

The objective is to lower production expenses by reducing chemical fertilizers and pesticides, while simultaneously enhancing soil fertility, he added.

Maharashtra aims to transition 25 lakh hectares to natural farming, with 13 lakh hectares already achieved.

In addition, programs like the Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Samruddhi Yojana and transforming primary societies into multipurpose institutions are in progress.

“To empower women, the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative has been launched, aiming to make one crore women in Maharashtra financially independent,” the Chief Minister stated.

“As women are the primary caregivers in families, empowering them guarantees the advancement of the entire household,” he added.

“The Pratishthan has also undertaken transformative initiatives for the Pardhi community, historically labeled as a 'criminal tribe', through efforts in education, healthcare, and livelihood. Pandit Deendayal never sought awards or recognition. His ideology remains timeless. Although he was assassinated, his principles proliferated, and today Prime Minister Narendra Modi is showcasing them to the world,” CM Fadnavis concluded.

--ANS

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