Deendayal Upadhyaya remembered on 99th birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and senior union ministers on Friday paid homage to Bharatiya Jan Sangh leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on his 99th birth anniversary.

Remembering Upadhyaya, Modi, who is in the US, said the time has come to follow the path he showed and create an India that is developed and just and where the poorest of the poor is taken care of.

"He was a beacon of selfless service and an excellent organiser. From the life of Pandit Deendayal, everyone could learn how an individual completely devoted himself to the well being of the nation and the service of the poor," he tweeted.

"India's progress is dependent on how quickly it can free from the clutches of poverty and provide every Indian a life of dignity, opportunity and aspiration," he added.

Mahajan, who inaugurated the birth anniversary function of Upadhyaya at Nehru Memorial Museum and Library here, said his life is an inspiration for all generations and the philosophy of integral humanism given by him is applicable internationally.

"He threw light on various aspects of philosophy of life including sensitivity towards human beings and society. Social untouchability is an evil but political untouchability is even more dangerous. The world is looking towards India because we are the largest democracy of the world, so we must watch our conduct in life," she said.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government is working on Updhyaya's principles.

"Antyodaya is the basic principle of the political and economical philosophy of Deendayal Updhyaya. The government is trying its very best to follow his principles and ensure that the last person in the ladder or the chain gets the benefits of growth and development," he said.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that he is fortunate to participate in the celebrations of the stalwart leader, philosopher and thinker.

"He left strong footprints in his short lifespan. Centre will promote the humanitarian thoughts and philosophy of Deendayal throughout the year," he said.

Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said the government will do its utmost to fulfill Upadhyaya's dreams and his ministry "will continue to celebrate the anniversaries of such great leaders who carried forward Indian society with their visionary work".

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah paid homage to Upadhyaya at the party office.