Antyodaya Diwas 2023- History Theme, Significance, Celebration, and other important details

Antyodaya Diwas is celebrated in India every year on September 25 to mark the birth anniversary of Indian political leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. The day also honors his life and legacy and remembers his contribution to shaping the politics in the country. Upadhyaya is also known for his efforts in the betterment of the poor and less fortunate and therefore the day Antyodaya meaning “rise of the last person” is observed as his birth anniversary. This article provides major details related to Antyodaya Diwas 2023 including its significance, history, celebration, etc.

Antyodaya Diwas 2023 Overview

Antyodaya Diwas Upcoming Events

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for Antyodaya Diwas for the next 5 years.

Antyodaya Diwas 2023 Significance

The main purpose of observing Antyodaya Diwas is to inspire individuals as well as governments to make efforts to bring prosperity and success to the weakest sections of society. When no member of the society is left behind, the nation can grow stronger inclusively as one unit. The day carries forward the ideology and principle of Deendayal Upadhyaya, Integral humanism being one of the most notable which was based on an individual’s undisputed willingness to serve their nation as a corporate entity. This day is about encouraging people to assist those in need of assistance so that they achieve success and make a contribution to the success of the country.

History of Antyodaya Diwas

In 2014, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi declared September 25 as Antyodaya Diwas to commemorate the birth anniversary of the late Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. The first Antyodaya Diwas was observed on September 25, 2014. To celebrate the first Antyodaya Diwas, the Ministry of Rural Development relaunched the skill development program Aajeevika Skills as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). In 2015, the programme was again renamed Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- NRLM.

More about Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya

Deendayal Upadhyaya was an Indian politician known for his integral humanism ideology. He was a leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) political party and the forerunner of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Always a bright student,  Upadhyaya was unable to complete his higher studies due to financial issues. Upadhyaya came into contact with the RSS in 1937 via a classmate, Baluji Mahashabde, while studying at Sanatan Dharma College. After spending 5 years, working for RSS, he became a full-time member of the party in 1942. His concept of Integral humanism was adopted as the official doctrine of Jan Sangh in 1965. On February 10, 1968, Upadhyaya boarded a train from Lucknow to Patna. The next day, his body was found outside the Mughalsarai train station with speculation that he was thrown out of the coach by robbers. The actual reason for his death could never be determined.

Honors in his name

• A road has been named after Upadhyaya in Delhi and the Mughalsarai station in Uttar Pradesh is renamed Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya junction.

• In 1972, the Deen Dayal Research Institute was founded to validate the philosophy of Integral Humanism.
• A Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Memorial Centre was inaugurated in 2020 and a 63-foot statue of Upadhyaya was unveiled.
• Welfare programs such as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, Gram Jyoti Yojana, and Deen Dayal Antyoday Upchar Yojna have been launched in his honor.
• An indoor stadium, petroleum university, hospital, and institute of archaeology have also been opened in Deen Dayal’s name.

Antyodaya Diwas Celebration 2023

Antyodaya Diwas is celebrated every year with several events organized by government and non-government organizations. Cultural activities, blood donation camps, seminars, etc. are held all over the country on this day. To celebrate this day, you can take part in these activities or organize events of your own. You can donate food, money, or clothes to the poor and needy to celebrate Antyodaya Diwas in the best possible manner.

Antyodaya Diwas Theme 2023

A theme is decided every year to celebrate Antyodaya Diwas. The theme for the year 2023 has not been declared yet but check out the themes for the past years’ celebration in the table below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: When will be Antyodaya Diwas 2023 celebrated?

Answer: September 25, 2023

Question 2: Is there any holiday observed on Antyodaya Diwas?

Answer: No there is no official holiday observed on Antyodaya Diwas.

Question 3: What is the birthplace of Deendayal Upadhyaya?

Answer: Mathura

Question 4: What is the possible cause of Deendayal Upadhyaya’s death?

Answer: Although the actual reason is not known, it is a speculation thatUpadhyaya was murdered due to political reasons.

Question 5: Who were Deendayal Upadhyaya’s parents?

Answer: Bhagwati Prasad and Rampyari