Antyodaya Diwas Day is celebrated annually across India on September 25 to honor the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a visionary leader, philosopher, and former President of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh (BJS), the predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This year, 2024 marks the 108th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a leader whose philosophy continues to inspire millions.
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Significance of Antyodaya Diwas Day
- The term “Antyodaya” signifies the rise and development of the last person in society.
- It emphasizes the vision of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya to uplift and support those living in extreme poverty, making his legacy a beacon for social change.
Background: The Inception of Antyodaya Diwas Day
- Origin: On September 25, 2014, during the 98th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declared September 25 as Antyodaya Diwas Day.
- Purpose: To recognize and honor the contributions of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in uplifting the underprivileged.
- First Observance: The 1st Antyodaya Diwas Day was celebrated on September 25, 2014, establishing a tradition that continues today.
Key Initiatives Associated with Antyodaya Diwas Day
- Revival of Aajeevika Skills Program
- On the first Antyodaya Diwas Day, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) revitalized Aajeevika Skills, a skill development initiative.
- This initiative was transformed into the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya – Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), a part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
- Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM)
- The NRLM, launched in April 2013, was renamed DAY-NRLM in 2016, becoming a flagship program of the Government of India.
- Objective: DAY-NRLM promotes poverty reduction through the formation of strong institutions like Self-Help Groups (SHGs), especially for women, and provides access to financial services and livelihood opportunities.
About Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
- Focus: DDU-GKY is a skill training and placement program aimed at skilling rural youth from impoverished backgrounds, ensuring they gain employment with regular monthly wages.
- Target Group: Rural youth aged 15-35 from poor families.
- Impact: As part of the Skill India campaign, DDU-GKY aligns with Make in India, Digital India, Smart Cities, Start-Up India, and Stand-Up India campaigns.
About Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya
- Early Life: Born on September 25, 1916, in Nagla Chandrabhan, Mathura District, Uttar Pradesh, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was a renowned philosopher and leader.
- Publishing Legacy: He established ‘Rashtra Dharma Prakashan’ and launched the monthly magazine ‘Rashtra Dharma,’ followed by the weekly ‘Panchjanya’ and the daily ‘Swadesh.’
- Political Journey:
- Joined Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1937.
- Founded the Uttar Pradesh unit of Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) in 1951.
- Served as General Secretary for 16 years (1951-1967) and later became President of BJS in 1967.
- Philosophy: He introduced the concept of ‘Integral Humanism,’ a doctrine adopted by Jan Sangh in 1965.
- Demise: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya passed away in February 1968 near Mughalsarai Junction railway station in Uttar Pradesh.
Notable Works of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya
- Samrat Chandragupta (1946)
- Jagadguru Shankaracharya (1947)
- Akhand Bharat Kyon? (1952)
- Bharatiya Arth Neeti: Vikas Ki Ek Disha (Indian Economic Policy: A Direction of Development) (1958)
Impact of Antyodaya Diwas Day in Modern India
- Empowering Rural Youth: Through initiatives like DDU-GKY, Antyodaya Diwas Day focuses on skilling rural youth, helping them secure sustainable livelihoods.
- Women Empowerment: DAY-NRLM has played a pivotal role in forming Self-Help Groups, empowering women across rural India.
- Promoting Self-Reliance: These programs align with the broader national goals of making India self-reliant, prosperous, and inclusive.
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Conclusion: Honoring Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Vision
Antyodaya Diwas Day serves as a reminder of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s dedication to uplifting the most marginalized sections of society. His philosophy of ‘Antyodaya’ continues to inspire efforts toward creating an inclusive and self-sufficient India. By observing Antyodaya Diwas Day, we honor his vision and commit ourselves to the cause of social upliftment and nation-building.
FAQs
What is the meaning of Antyodaya?
Antyodaya means “uplifting the last person” or helping the most marginalized and underprivileged sections of society.
What is the special day on 25 September?
25 September is celebrated as Antyodaya Diwas, marking the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
What is PM Antyodaya Yojana?
PM Antyodaya Yojana is a government scheme focused on improving the lives of the poorest families by providing them with essential services and resources.
What year was Antyodaya?
The concept of Antyodaya was introduced in 1977 as part of efforts to uplift the poorest in society.
What is the full form of Antyodaya?
Antyodaya doesn’t have a full form. It is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “rise of the last person.”
What is the theme of Antyodaya Diwas?
The theme revolves around uplifting the poor and marginalized, inspired by the vision of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
Who gave the concept of Antyodaya?
The concept of Antyodaya was given by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
What is the aim of AAY?
The aim of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is to provide highly subsidized food to the poorest families.
What is Mission Antyodaya?
Mission Antyodaya is a government initiative to achieve poverty-free villages by targeting resources and services to the poorest.
Is it BPL or Antyodaya?
Antyodaya is a subset of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) population, targeting the poorest of the poor.
What is Antyodaya by Gandhi?
Antyodaya reflects Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of serving the last person in society, ensuring social and economic equality.
What is Antyodaya in class 9?
In class 9, Antyodaya refers to the concept of helping the weakest sections of society, a part of the social studies curriculum.
What is the meaning of Antyodaya train?
The Antyodaya Express is a train service in India meant to provide affordable travel for the underprivileged.
Antyodaya Diwas Day Quotes:
“Service to the last person is service to humanity.” – Inspired by Deendayal Upadhyaya.
Antyodaya Diwas in English:
Antyodaya Diwas means Day of Uplifting the Last Person.
Antyodaya Diwas Date:
Antyodaya Diwas is observed on 25th September every year.
Antyodaya Diwas is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of whom?
It is celebrated to honor Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a proponent of the Antyodaya philosophy.