Deendayal Upadhyaya Jayanti 2026: Why 25 September is Celebrated as Antyodaya Diwas

Deendayal Upadhyaya Jayanti 2026 will be observed on 25 September 2026, marking the 110th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. He was a political thinker, writer and organiser associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

The day is also observed as Antyodaya Diwas, highlighting the idea of the upliftment and welfare of the most disadvantaged sections of society.

Read Also: UPSC Daily Current Affairs 2026

Why is 25 September Celebrated as Antyodaya Diwas?

The Government of India declared 25 September as Antyodaya Diwas in 2014 to commemorate Deendayal Upadhyaya’s birth anniversary.

The term Antyodaya broadly refers to the upliftment of the last person, particularly those at the bottom of the social and economic ladder. The concept emphasises inclusive development, livelihood opportunities, social welfare and human dignity.

Who Was Deendayal Upadhyaya?

• Born: 25 September 1916
• Birthplace: Nagla Chandrabhan, Uttar Pradesh
• He was associated with the RSS and played an important organisational role in the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
• He served as the General Secretary of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
• He became the President of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1967.
• He was associated with publications including Rashtra Dharma, Panchjanya and Swadesh.
• He died on 11 February 1968.

What is Antyodaya?

Antyodaya means the upliftment of the last person or the most disadvantaged section of society.

Its broad objectives include:

• Inclusive development
• Poverty reduction
• Livelihood opportunities
• Welfare of disadvantaged groups
• Social and economic empowerment
• Protection of individual dignity
• Ensuring development reaches the last mile

Integral Humanism

Another major philosophical concept associated with Deendayal Upadhyaya is Integral Humanism (Ekatma Manav Darshan).

In April 1965, he delivered a series of lectures on Integral Humanism in Bombay. The philosophy takes a holistic view of human beings and discusses the relationship between the individual, society, nature and social organisation.

Antyodaya and Government Schemes

The idea of Antyodaya is reflected in the names and objectives of several government programmes.

Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana

The Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY) focuses on improving livelihood opportunities for poor households through components related to skill development, self-employment and livelihood promotion.

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana

DDU-GKY is a rural skill-development programme under the Ministry of Rural Development. It focuses on providing skill training and employment opportunities to rural poor youth.

Deendayal Upadhyaya Jayanti 2026: Key Facts

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