Relevance of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya’s Integral Humanism in the Context of Viksit Bharat (2047)

Abstract

Integral Humanism is a doctrine propounded in the backdrop of an evolving democratic India. After Bharat became independent, questions arose about the futuristic mode of development. One such significant doctrine was mooted by Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, the leader of Jan Sangh, the precursor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Integral Humanism is a synthesis of diverse Indian traditions of holistic development. Integral Humanism opposes not only capitalism but also socialism and promotes a composite ideology which contains all elements of humanism. It encourages the adoption of an indigenous mode of production and other elements of statecraft. It believes in the traditional Indian version of humanism, which incorporates the philosophical notion of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It also focuses on bringing genuine social justice and human rights. In broader terms, it is dedicated to transcending India from a police state to a welfare state. Under the stewardship of former Prime Minister Vajpayee and current Prime Minister Modi, the BJP is dedicated to implementing the vision of Dr Upadhyaya. In 2025, the BJP is in power at the centre, and it has been ruling since 2014. A majority of states have also been ruled by the BJP for the last 11 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to make Bharat Viksit by 2047. This article intends to investigate how much of Dr Upadhyaya’s views expressed through ‘Integral Humanism’ have been put into effect by the BJP under the guidance of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi-led governments. Moreover, the relevance of this doctrine in contemporary India will be examined, particularly in the context of the evolving Viksit Bharat, in which all stakeholders of the society must be empowered with the notion of social justice and human rights.