Y Patton, Benjamin Yepthomi and others during the observance of the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in Kohima on September 25. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 25
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagaland State paid tribute to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya at the state head office Kohima on the occasion of his 109th birth anniversary on September 25.
“Let us rededicate ourselves to his ideals of selfless service, inclusive growth, and nation-building,” said Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton while paying tribute to Upadhyaya. His life and thoughts remains a beacon, guiding us towards building a stronger, self-reliant, and harmonious India, Patton told the gathering.
The Deputy Chief Minister described Upadhyaya as one of India’s most revered thinkers and leaders.
A guiding light of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Panditji dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation and to the cause of the common man, he said adding “His philosophy of Integral Humanism continues to inspire us, emphasizing balanced development rooted in our cultural ethos, where progress is measured not only in material terms but also in moral and social harmony.”
Through his vision of Antyodaya-upliftment of the last person in society, Patton said “Upadhyaya reminded us of our collective responsibility to ensure justice, dignity, and opportunity for all.”
‘His life teaches us that true leadership is service’
BJP Nagaland state President, Benjamin Yepthomi said that Upadhyaya dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation.
“Though he lived a short life, his vision and philosophy left an indelible mark on the soul of India. He reminded us that our nation’s strength lies not only in its economy or politics, but in its civilizational values, its spirituality, and its sense of humanity,” Yepthomi said.
Stating that Upadhyaya gave us the guiding philosophy of Ekatma Manav Darshan-Integral Humanism, Yepthomi said “This was not just political theory, but a way of life that emphasized harmony between material progress and spiritual well-being, between individual aspirations and collective responsibility.”
Also stating that Upadhyaya gave the principle of Antyodaya the rise of the last man, the upliftment of the most deprived, the BJP state president said “ His belief was simple yet profound: until the poorest and the weakest are empowered, India cannot truly prosper.”
He said that Upadhyaya’s vision coming alive under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“From Jan Dhan accounts ensuring financial inclusion, to Ujjwala Yojana giving dignity to women, to Ayushman Bharat ensuring healthcare for the poor every initiative echoes his dream of Antyodaya,” Yepthomi said.
Stating that Upadhyaya was also a living example of simplicity, humility, and dedication, Yepthomi said “Despite his intellectual brilliance, he remained rooted, lived like a karyakarta, and worked tirelessly for the organization and the nation. His life teaches us that true leadership is service, not power.’
He called upon the karyakartas of BJP not only pay tribute to Upadhyaya, but also rededicate themselves to his ideals.
“Let us commit to work selflessly for society, to reach out to the last person in need, and to build an India that is strong, compassionate, and deeply rooted in its values,” he added.
Further, he challenged the karyakartas of BJP to carry forward his (Upadhyaya) legacy with conviction in their hearts, with service in their actions, and with love for “our motherland.”
Thomas Magh, state president ST Morcha spoke on “Self-reliant India & Swadeshi.”
The programme was chaired by Medochiituo Kiewhuo, state secretary BJP while welcome address was delivered by Vizhalie Sanchu, Secretary Kohima District BJP.
The programme was also marked by lighting of lamp by Minority Morcha & OBC Morcha and floral tributes by dignities and party workers. Keviphonuo Ngukha, State Office Secretary BJP pronounced invocation while vote of thanks was proposed by Eduzu Theluo, vice president BJP Nagaland state.
