Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted how individuals often achieve fame through the titles bestowed upon them. He noted that in certain instances, these titles gain greater significance when awarded to distinguished figures, as exemplified by the posthumous conferment of the ‘Bharat Ratna’ upon the late Nanaji Deshmukh, an ideologue of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).Speaking at an event commemorating the 15th death anniversary of Deshmukh at the ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Shodh Sansthaan’ in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, Shah recalled that it was only after the BJP secured a full majority that Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred this prestigious title upon Deshmukh in 2019. He remarked, “Many notable individuals gain recognition through the titles they receive, while others enhance the prestige of these titles merely by being associated with them. Nanaji is one of those rare individuals,” he asserted.

Shah emphasized the vital role Nanaji Deshmukh played in establishing the Janata Party, which formed India’s first non-Congress government following the Congress party’s defeat in the general elections after the Emergency, thereby safeguarding democracy in the nation.

Deshmukh’s influence, ideals, and contributions were described by Shah as ‘yugparivartankaari’, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends time. The home minister noted that Deshmukh earned admiration across various sectors, including politics, business, education, and social service, with even opponents refraining from speaking ill of him.

Criticizing the policies of Jawaharlal Nehru, Shah expressed that many who held love for India felt disenchanted due to the disconnect between Nehru’s Western-oriented policies and Indian traditions. He praised Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay for introducing the principle of ‘Ekatma Manavad’, which resonated with India’s rich heritage across all areas of governance and development.

Shah pointed out that the late Deendayal Upadhyay, the founder of the Bharatiya Jansangh, conceived the development model ‘Antyodaya’ focused on uplifting the most marginalized individuals in society. Nanaji Deshmukh embraced and implemented this principle through ‘Gramothan’, making Chitrakoot his karmabhoomi.

He stated that Nanaji’s efforts revolutionized rural India, empowering BJP governments with the inspiration and vision to address the basic needs of impoverished citizens. Shah noted that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership over the past decade, significant advancements have been made, with 600 million poor individuals gaining access to housing, sanitation, drinking water, gas supplies, essential food, electricity, and healthcare.

Shah further acknowledged the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s apt recognition of Deshmukh as ‘Rashtra Rishi’. He recounted Nanaji’s commitment to the Deendayal Shodh Sansthan, where he dedicated his life to the nation’s betterment.

Additionally, Shah highlighted his involvement with the Shodh Sansthan’s magazine ‘Manthan’, which he regarded as a vital source of insight and knowledge about the BJP’s ideology, likening its value to that of the Vedas and Upanishads for BJP workers.

He also recognized Nanaji Deshmukh for establishing the country’s first ‘Saraswati Shishu Mandir’ school in Gorakhpur, now boasting thousands of branches nationwide.

Shah commended the Deendayal Shodh Sansthan for unveiling a statue of Deendayal Upadhyay and launching ‘Ram Darshan’, recognizing the significance of Chitrakoot in the life of Lord Rama during his 14-year exile.

Present at the occasion were Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Hindu seers Mukut Murari Bapu and Swami Shri Haslanandacharya Maharaj, along with MP Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla, among others.

Chandikadas Amritrao Deshmukh, affectionately known as Nanaji Deshmukh, was born on October 11, 1916, in Kadoli, Hingoli district, Maharashtra. He established the Deendayal Shodh Sansthan in Chitrakoot in 1972 to promote and implement the philosophy of ‘Ekatma Manavad’ (Integral Humanism) envisioned by Deendayal Upadhyay. In 1999, he was honored with the ‘Padma Vibhushan’. Deshmukh passed away at the age of 93 on February 27, 2010, in Chitrakoot.