Antyodaya Diwas 2023: History, Significance and Celebrations

The birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya is commemorated on September 25th, and Antyodaya Diwas is observed every year.

On the 25th of September each year, India commemorates Antyodaya Diwas. It is observed to commemorate the life and legacy of Indian leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, who died on this day.

Throughout the history of Indian politics, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was a prominent figure. Upadhyaya’s 105th birthday is commemorated this year with the Antyodaya Diwas. He was a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) thinker and co-founder of Bharatiya Jan Sangh (BJS).

The special day’s goal is to help the poorest of the poor, and Antyodaya means lifting them up. Upadhyaya is revered on this day for his efforts to raise the fortunes of the poor and improve society and politics.

Antyodaya Diwas History:

In the Chandrabhan hamlet near Fareh town in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was born on September 25, 1916. His family was Brahmin, and he was born into it. Bhagwati Prasad, an astronomer, was his father’s name, and Rampyari was his mother’s. Both of his parents died when he was eight years old, and his maternal uncle raised him.

He subsequently completed matriculation in Rajasthan’s high school. He went to Birla College in Pilani for his intermediate. In 1939, he graduated from Sanatan Dharma College in Kanpur. He attended St.John’s College, Agra, to pursue a master’s degree in English literature but was unable to finish it. As a full-time worker known as Pracharak, he joined Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS).

After that, he grew in popularity in the RSS and met founder KB Hedgewar and went through a 40-day camp as well as a second year of teaching in the RSS education wing. He then became enthralled in propagating Hindutva nationalism across the nation. He co-founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BCS) party, which later became the Bhartiya Janta Party, in 1951 as a result of all this progress.

He was also known for his philosophical and literary works, in addition to his organizational abilities. He devised the concept of ‘Integral Humanism,’ which stresses the holistic growth of a person’s mind, body, intellect, and soul.

He was certain that the science and lifestyles of the west were not the same. He claimed that western science is universal, but India should hold to its roots by retaining its own ways of life.

At the age of 51, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya died. On 11th February 1968, he was mysteriously discovered dead while traveling along Mughal Sarai in Uttar Pradesh. However, as we commemorate Antyodaya Diwas, his legacy lives on among the people.

Antyodaya Diwas Significance:

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, who established the idea of integral humanism and promoted Hindutva ideology, is commemorated and remembered during Antyodaya Diwas. The current ruling party of India, the Bharatiya Janta Party(BJP), follows this philosophy.

That’s why he is beloved by the incumbent ruling party and its supporters, but he was also one of the most important leaders in Indian politics throughout history, and he had a key part in the development of India’s largest ruling party, BJP.

He created the BJS, which is regarded as the BJP’s forerunner. As a result, when Indian politics was largely ruled by the Indian National Congress, he was extremely valuable in providing resistance to India. 

It aims to provide inclusive growth to the nation, so that no member of society is left behind, and this day inspires the government and the people to help in bringing prosperity and success to those communities that are considered today’s weakest sections of society. This day is about encouraging people to assist those in greater need of assistance so that they, too, may have success.

Since Indian culture had previously been extremely split and riddled with prejudice, the rulers, whether it was the British or Mughals in general, sought to take advantage of it and foment discrimination.

The inequitable and repressive caste system created by inefficient and self-centered indigenous monarchs had already started to harden Indian culture even before invaders took control of India. As a result, this day is dedicated to supporting marginalized segments of society who have been overlooked and ignored.

Most Searched FAQs on Antyodaya Diwas:

1. When is Antyodaya Diwas celebrated? 

In India, the 25th of September is observed as Antyodaya Diwas.

2. What does Antyodaya Diwas commemorates? 

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, one of the most significant Indian leaders in India’s political history, is commemorated on Antyodaya Diwas.

3. What does Antyodaya mean? 

The term antyodaya means “lifting the poorest of the poor, the weakest members of society.”