Antyodaya Diwas is an important observance in India that commemorates the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a prominent leader, philosopher, and thinker of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the forerunner of the Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP). Celebrated on September 25 each year, the day aims to promote the concept of "Antyodaya," which means uplifting the last person in society. The term derives from Upadhyaya's philosophy of integral humanism and the goal of ensuring that the most marginalized and deprived sections of society are cared for and empowered.

Background and Significance

• Deendayal Upadhyaya was born on September 25, 1916, and he was a key ideologue of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. His vision centered on an inclusive development model, which he termed Antyodaya (rise of the last). This idea sought to ensure that every individual, especially the poorest and most neglected, had access to basic necessities and opportunities for growth.

• Antyodaya Diwas was officially observed for the first time in 2014, when the Narendra Modi government declared September 25 as a day to honor Upadhyaya’s legacy and promote his ideas of social justice, equality, and upliftment of the poor. The observance also reflects the government's broader efforts to focus on schemes and policies that benefit rural and underprivileged populations.

Philosophy of Antyodaya

• Integral Humanism: Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of integral humanism underpins the concept of Antyodaya. Integral humanism emphasizes a balanced development approach that caters to both material and spiritual needs, ensuring that development is not just economic but holistic. It stresses the importance of family, community, and nation over individualism, focusing on the collective welfare of society.

• Upliftment of the Last Person: The crux of Antyodaya is uplifting the weakest, poorest, and marginalized. The belief is that true development of society can only occur when the most disadvantaged have access to basic resources like food, shelter, education, and healthcare. This reflects Gandhian principles, especially Gandhi’s idea that society should prioritize those in greatest need.

Government Schemes and Initiatives Inspired by Antyodaya

Antyodaya Diwas serves as a reminder of several government initiatives that align with Upadhyaya’s vision of inclusive development and social welfare. Many programs have been launched to improve the lives of rural and economically disadvantaged populations:

1. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Launched in 2000, this scheme aims to provide highly subsidized food grains to millions of the poorest families in India. Under this program, eligible households receive food grains at very low prices from the Public Distribution System (PDS). It specifically targets those living below the poverty line.

2. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): The government’s housing for all initiative strives to provide affordable housing for low-income groups, ensuring that even the most marginalized have access to proper shelter.

3. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): This scheme focuses on financial inclusion, providing banking services to unbanked sections of the population. It seeks to empower economically weaker sections by giving them access to basic financial services like savings accounts, insurance, and credit.

4. Saubhagya Scheme: Officially known as Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, this initiative aims to provide universal household electrification by targeting villages and remote areas without access to electricity, improving quality of life for marginalized communities.

5. Ujjwala Yojana: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide clean cooking fuel to rural and impoverished households by offering subsidized LPG connections, thus helping improve health and reducing environmental hazards associated with traditional cooking methods.

6. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Launched in 2014, this campaign aims at making India cleaner and open-defecation-free, ensuring that even the poorest have access to sanitary facilities, thereby improving public health.

7. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM): This program aims at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the rural poor by organizing them into self-help groups and providing financial and technical support to improve their economic prospects.

8. National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM): Similarly, this urban counterpart of DAY-NRLM seeks to uplift the urban poor by promoting skill development, employment generation, and improved access to basic services.

How Antyodaya Diwas is Observed

1. Government Events: On Antyodaya Diwas, various government ministries, departments, and public organizations hold seminars, workshops, and lectures focused on inclusive development and poverty eradication. These events often discuss the ongoing initiatives and future plans for uplifting the poorest sections of society.

2. Community Outreach Programs: Many NGOs and civil society groups organize programs to reach out to the underprivileged on this day. These might include health camps, distribution of food and essentials, and educational activities to promote awareness about welfare schemes.

3. Awards and Recognition: Some states and organizations may give awards to individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to social welfare, poverty alleviation, and empowerment of marginalized communities.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Media outlets, government bodies, and NGOs run campaigns on Antyodaya Diwas to raise public awareness about various social welfare schemes and the importance of uplifting those in need.

5. Political Speeches and Tributes: Leaders, particularly from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, pay tribute to Deendayal Upadhyaya through speeches highlighting his ideas of integral humanism and Antyodaya, and the role these principles play in shaping the government's policies.

Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Influence on Modern Indian Politics

Upadhyaya's philosophies continue to influence the political discourse in India, especially among right-wing political parties. His emphasis on self-reliance (Swadeshi), decentralization of power, and cultural nationalism resonates with modern-day political narratives around economic development and national identity.

The Modi government frequently invokes Upadhyaya’s legacy to justify policies that aim to improve the lives of India's poor, positioning him as a guiding figure for the country's socio-economic transformation.

Conclusion

Antyodaya Diwas is more than just a day to honor Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary; it is a call to action for inclusive and sustainable development. By focusing on the needs of the poorest and most marginalized, the observance serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to eradicating poverty and ensuring that no one is left behind in India's journey toward growth and progress.