Celebrating Deendayal Ji’s Vision: Symposium Marks Six Decades of Integral Humanism

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Ji’s seminal philosophy of Integral Humanism, a National Memorial Symposium was organized at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the gathering, stressing the relevance of the philosophy in today’s socio-economic and ecological context, and emphasized India’s deep-rooted cultural values that view nature and humanity as one integrated whole.

Why in News?

The symposium was organized to commemorate 60 years of Integral Humanism, a socio-economic-political philosophy propounded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in 1965. The event, graced by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, underlined the enduring relevance of this Indian model in addressing modern global challenges.

Background & Philosophy of Integral Humanism

• Propounded in 1965 by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Ji.
• Advocates holistic human development rooted in Indian culture, balancing materialism with spiritualism.
• Rejects blind imitation of Western ideologies and promotes an indigenous model of development.

Key Highlights from Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Address

• Integral Humanism is not complex, but the essence of Indian thought.
• The philosophy offers solutions to global challenges, especially social inequality and environmental degradation.
• Calls for balanced wealth—neither extreme poverty nor excessive materialism.
• Emphasizes the idea that the Earth belongs to all living beings, not just humans.
• Encourages respect for nature and urges participation in the World Environment Day tree plantation campaign (June 5) – “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam”.

Focus on Agriculture

• Farming is the greatest strength of the Indian economy.

Two new paddy varieties developed,

• Yield: +30%
• Water requirement: −20%
• Faster maturation: 20 days earlier

Women Empowerment – Lakhpati Didi Yojana

• Massive initiative empowering rural women by enabling them to become financially independent.
• Recognizes the contribution of women through cultural symbols like Sita, Gayatri, Lakshmi, Saraswati, etc.

Core Objectives of Integral Humanism

• Human-centric development
• Harmony between spiritualism, materialism, and nature
• Decentralized governance and economy
• Building a self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat)