Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Punyatithi
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Punyatithi (death anniversary) is observed on February 11 every year to honor his contributions to Indian politics, philosophy, and social thought. He was a prominent leader, thinker, and ideologue of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
His Life and Contributions:
- Born on September 25, 1916, in Uttar Pradesh, he was a deep thinker, writer, and proponent of Integral Humanism, a philosophy that aimed at the holistic development of society.
- He envisioned an India rooted in its cultural heritage while embracing progress.
- He emphasized self-reliance, decentralization of power, and antyodaya (upliftment of the last person in society).
- He played a key role in shaping nationalist policies and strengthening the ideological foundation of Jana Sangh.
His Mysterious Death:
On February 11, 1968, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was found dead near Mughalsarai railway station under suspicious circumstances. His untimely demise remains a topic of discussion even today.
Legacy:
- The government of India has honored his legacy by renaming Mughalsarai railway station as Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction.
- His philosophy continues to inspire political and social movements in India.
- Several government schemes focusing on rural development and welfare are named after him, such as Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana and Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana.