Integral humanism: A timeless philosophy for better future

The Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, organised a programme to mark the 109th birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, celebrated nationwide as ‘Antyodaya Diwas’, here on Thursday. The event brought together fellows, scholars, academicians and members of the local intelligentsia to deliberate on the life and philosophy of Pandit Upadhyaya.

In her address, guest of honour Prof Uma Vaidya, Tagore Fellow at IIAS, underlined the contemporary relevance of Pandit Upadhyaya’s thought. “The philosophy propounded by Deen Dayal Upadhyaya will help us create generations of citizens who are academically sound, socially conscious, politically balanced, financially established, spiritually well-trained and morally upright,” she said. She said the life and vision of Pandit Upadhyaya were dedicated to the welfare of the nation and his proclamation of Integral Humanism continues to unite humanity in a shared moral and spiritual bond.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof Heeraman Tiwari, chairman, Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, reflected upon the doctrine of Integral Humanism. He emphasised that Pandit Upadhyaya’s ideas were not merely theoretical constructs but a pragmatic framework for inclusive development that sought to empower the most marginalised sections of society.

Presiding over the event, Prof Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, IIAS, highlighted the intrinsic connection between the principle of Antyodaya and the Institute’s academic and social responsibilities. He underscored the need for institutions such as IIAS to nurture philosophical traditions that guide the nation’s intellectual and moral compass.