From philosophy to policy: BJP’s development vision inspired by Integral Humanism
Background
With these schemes, under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a pragmatic application of Integral Humanism—where policies do not merely chase GDP figures but strive to touch every life with dignity, purpose, and opportunity. From economic empowerment to social justice, from infrastructure development to digital literacy, from tribal welfare to women's safety and financial inclusion—each initiative reflects the soul of Integral Humanism. Our development philosophy covered all elements of inclusivity, namely social inclusivity through coverage of all strata of the society, and geographical inclusivity through development of all regions of the country. एकात्म मानववाद का एक्शन प्वाइंट 'अंत्योदय' है। Empowering the Margins: 11 Years of Modi Government’s Focus on Socio-Economic Upliftment of the Poor, Farmers, and Women!! Guided by the mantra of Antyodaya, we are working relentlessly to ensure every village across the country is served by the best quality healthcare and wellness services. Unstoppable March Towards Antyodaya!
Introductory Memo
India is, perhaps for the first time since independence, embracing a development model rooted in its own civilisational ethos — Integral Humanism.
For decades, national policy leaned on imported ideologies. The Congress, despite its long rule, failed to implement either Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj or any model rooted in Bharat’s civilisational ethos. These frameworks often ignored the Indian context, treating development as a purely material pursuit.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially under leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi, took a different path. Drawing from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s vision, it placed Integral Humanism at the centre of governance. This philosophy sees the individual as part of a larger whole—family, society, and nation—and calls for development that is not just economic, but also cultural, ethical, and spiritual.
The result is a model of governance that blends tradition with modernity, self-reliance with global ambition. Several government initiatives reflect this vision and have earned both domestic impact and global recognition.
In this article, we explore key policies and schemes shaped by Integral Humanism and examine how they reflect a uniquely Indian approach to building a just and inclusive society.
Integral Humanism, or Ekatma Manav Darshan, is a profound philosophical framework introduced by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in the early 1960s to offer a distinctly Indian approach to nation-building. This vision was conceived as a response to the uncritical adoption of Western ideologies such as individualism, socialism, and communism. He aimed to develop a model of progress rooted in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The idea proposes a synthesis of material progress and spiritual values. It calls for development that is balanced — economically sustainable, socially inclusive, culturally respectful, and spiritually uplifting. It seeks harmony between tradition and modernity, between self-reliance and global engagement.
He argued that Western ideologies were largely materialistic and compartmentalised, often neglecting the spiritual and moral dimensions of human life. In contrast, Integral Humanism views life as an indivisible whole, where the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects coexist in harmony. It calls for the integrated development of both the individual and society, drawing from the Indian philosophical framework of Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
Upadhyaya emphasised that true development must go beyond economic metrics to include social justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. Economic growth (Artha) must be guided by ethical values (Dharma), fulfill human needs with dignity (Kama), and ultimately lead to collective well-being and inner fulfillment (Moksha).
At its core, Integral Humanism is a human-centric philosophy that places the individual at the heart of all development efforts, while balancing personal aspirations with societal needs. Deeply anchored in India’s civilisational ethos, it champions the decolonisation of thought by valuing Sanskrit, indigenous knowledge, and cultural heritage.
Core Tenets of Integral Humanism:
1. Holistic Human Development: Focuses on the integrated growth of body, mind, intellect, and spirit for complete well-being.
2. Antyodaya – Upliftment of the Last Person: Ensures that the most marginalized and vulnerable are at the center of development efforts.
3. Harmony with Nature and Sustainability: Advocates for balanced, respectful interaction with nature and sustainable use of resources.
4. Swadeshi: Promotes a self-reliant, culturally rooted economic system adapted to Indian realities.
5. Raj Dharma – Duty-Oriented Governance & Decentralisation: Emphasises value-based governance and societal harmony over mere political power. A principle that advocates for distributing power and resources at the local level, empowering communities and fostering self-sufficiency.
6. Inclusivity, Diversity, and the Unity of Humanity: Upholds India’s spiritual heritage and traditions as guiding forces in nation-building.
Integral Humanism in BJP schemes
The BJP, deeply influenced by Upadhyaya's ideology, has embedded the principles of Integral Humanism into many of its policies and programs over the years. This has been especially evident during the tenures of Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi, whose flagship schemes consistently aim to bridge rural-urban gaps, empower the underprivileged, promote self-reliance, and ensure holistic national development.
Both the governments have comprehensively addressed the development needs of diverse groups—small and large businesses, professionals, workers, farmers, women, youth, and rural India—creating a cohesive vision of a New India that has impressed globally. Initiatives like Digital India run alongside the National Digital Literacy Mission to ensure inclusivity, while Make in India is complemented by Skill India to empower youth with employable skills. Startup India, Standup India, Mudra Loans, and the seamless JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) have streamlined access to benefits and financial inclusion. Emphasising agricultural transformation, schemes like PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana, PM KISAN, and bio-farming programs reflect a commitment to doubling farmers’ income.
Tribal welfare through Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana and enhanced education in Eklavya Schools, alongside women-centric programs such as Ujjwala, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, underscore social equity efforts. Numerous schemes named after Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya highlight alignment with Integral Humanism’s vision of ensuring minimum living standards, dignity, and meaningful employment for all, manifesting in ambitious goals like Open Defecation Free India and wide-ranging infrastructure projects. Simultaneously, initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and MSME promotion propel individuals and the nation beyond subsistence toward global contribution, all while preserving the individual’s dignity and self-respect at the core of policymaking.
Here is a list of the schemes, initiatives or policies that were launched during both BJP-led governments.
Scheme Name
Year Launched
Launched By
Objective
Alignment with Integral Humanism
Outcome / Impact
Antyodaya Anna Yojana
2000
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
To provide highly subsidized food grains (35 kg rice/wheat at ₹3/₹2 per kg) to the "poorest of the poor" (Below Poverty Line) families.
Antyodaya – uplifting the last person; ensuring basic needs
8.13 crore people have benefited till April 4, 2024
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
2001
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
To achieve universalisation of elementary education for children aged 6-14
Holistic human development through education
-
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
2000
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages
Infrastructure development for rural integration
As of January 2023, 96% of PMGSY I and 97% of PMGSY II targets achieved.
National Highways Development Project
1998
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Upgrade, rehabilitate, and widen major highways
Economic growth through improved connectivity
Significant expansion of national highway network; enhanced trade and mobility.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
1998
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Provide timely credit support to farmers
Empowering farmers; self-reliance
As of March 2024, the country has 7.75 crore operational KCC accounts
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
1999
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Focus on the welfare of Scheduled Tribes
Inclusivity and cultural preservation
Implements various schemes for education, health, and economic development of tribal communities.
Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana (VAMBAY)
2001
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Provide housing for urban slum dwellers
Social justice; dignity in living
Sanctioned over 2 lakh dwelling units and community toilets.
Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY)
2001
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Provide wage employment and food security in rural areas
Antyodaya & Holistic Human Development
Merged into MGNREGA; enhanced rural employment.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
2014
Narendra Modi
Achieve financial inclusion by opening bank accounts
Economic empowerment; access to financial services
Over 54 crore Jan Dhan Yojana accounts created, with total deposit balance of approx ₹2.39 lakh crore
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
2016
Narendra Modi
Provide LPG connections to women from BPL households
Health, dignity, and environmental sustainability
Distributed over 10 crore LPG connections; improved health outcomes.
Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)
2018
Narendra Modi
Health cover of ₹5L for 12.34Cr families constituting the bottom 40% of India
Holistic health care; social equity
36 crore beneficiaries verified; significant reduction in out-of-pocket health expenses.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
2015
Narendra Modi
Provide affordable housing to urban and rural poor
Dignified living; social equity
2.94 crore houses and 1.18 crore sanctioned under PMAY-R and PMAY-U
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)
2015
Narendra Modi
Provide micro-finance to small entrepreneurs
Economic self-reliance; support to micro-enterprises
Sanctioned over 52 crore loans worth ₹32.61 lakh crore.
Saubhagya Yojana
2017
Narendra Modi
Provide electricity to all households
Infrastructure development; quality of life
Total 2.86 crore households electrified as of 2023
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
2014
Narendra Modi
Eliminate open defecation and improve sanitation
Public health; dignity; harmony with nature, environmental sustainability
12 Cr toilets built, 60 Cr benefited.
Stand Up India
2016
Narendra Modi
Promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women
Economic empowerment; inclusive growth
Facilitated over ₹30,000 crore in loans; boosted startup ecosystem.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
2015
Narendra Modi
Provide pension to unorganized sector workers
Social security; economic dignity
7.65 Cr subscribers, ₹45,975 Cr corpus, 48% women participation as of April 2025
Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY)
2016
Narendra Modi
Alleviate urban and rural poverty through skill development
Upliftment of the marginalized; economic empowerment
Mobilised 10.05 crore rural women households into over 90.90 lakh Self Help Groups
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
2019
Narendra Modi
Provide income support to small and marginal farmers
Farmer welfare; economic support
Over 52.68 crore beneficiaries under PM KISAN as of 2023
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
2017
Narendra Modi
Simplify and unify the indirect tax structure
Economic efficiency; cooperative federalism, decentralisation
Increased tax compliance; broadened tax base.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan
2020
Narendra Modi
Promote self-reliance in various sectors
Economic self-sufficiency; national resilience
Announced stimulus packages worth over ₹20 lakh crore; boosted domestic manufacturing.
Mission Amrit Sarovar
2022
Narendra Modi
Develop and rejuvenate water bodies
Environmental sustainability; water conservation
As of March 2025, over 68,000 Sarovars completed, enhancing water availability
Jal Jeevan Mission
2019
Narendra Modi
Provide tap water to all rural households
Health; infrastructure; rural development
As of March 2025, 80.2% (15.53 Cr) of 19.36 Cr rural households tap water
PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)
2023
Narendra Modi
Focus on the welfare of tribal communities
Inclusivity; cultural preservation
-
PM Vishwakarma Yojana
2023
Narendra Modi
Support traditional artisans and craftspeople
Cultural preservation; economic empowerment
As of January 2025, 27.08 lakh beneficiaries registered
PM SVANidhi
2020
Narendra Modi
Provide micro-credit to street vendors
Economic inclusion; support to informal sector
Sanctioned over 98 lakh street vendors; ₹13,789 Crores disbursed
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
2024
Narendra Modi
Provide free electricity through rooftop solar installations
Renewable energy; environmental sustainability
As of December 2024, 1.45 crore registrations and 26.38 lakh applications
PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
2015
Narendra Modi
Improve irrigation efficiency and expand water access for farmers
Sustainable agriculture; water resource management
Created irrigation facilities for over 70 lakh hectares
Digital India
2015
Narendra Modi
Transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy
Technological empowerment; inclusive growth
-
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
2015
Narendra Modi
Encourage savings for the education and marriage of girl child
Women empowerment; financial security
Over 4.1 crore accounts opened as of November 2024
By grounding modern policymaking in spiritual values, cultural memory, and indigenous frameworks, BJP has offered a development paradigm that is uniquely Indian yet globally resonant. It transcends binaries of Left and Right, tradition and modernity, village and city—advancing a harmonious, inclusive, and resilient Bharat. The journey from Antyodaya to Aatmanirbharta is not just a slogan—it is the realisation of a civilisational vision where the last person is not left behind, but uplifted, empowered, and honoured.
Thus, Integral Humanism is not the past echoing into the future—it is the future arising from the soil of the past. It is India’s ideological answer to the world: that development must be human, holistic, and dharmic. 
Source: PIB
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