Deputy CM Patton urges BJP workers to embrace Upadhyay's vision

KOHIMA — Deputy Chief Minister and BJP Legislature Party (BLP) Leader Y Patton on Thursday called upon BJP workers to embrace Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s vision of Antyodaya—uplift of the last person in society.

Addressing the birth anniversary commemoration event of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay at the party's headquarters in Kohima, the deputy CM said that Upadayay's vision reflects a collective responsibility to ensure justice, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Paying tributes, Patton recalled that Upadhyay was one of India's most revered thinkers and leaders, and a guiding light of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He added that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation and the cause of the common man.

He highlighted Upadhyay’s philosophy of integral humanism, which emphasises balanced development rooted in cultural ethos, where progress is measured not only in material terms but also in moral and social harmony.

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Patton called upon all party workers to rededicate themselves to the ideals of selfless service, inclusive growth, and nation-building of Upadhyay, stating that his life and thoughts remain a beacon, guiding them towards building a stronger, self-reliant, and harmonious India.

State BJP president Benjamin Yepthomi, in his speech, stated that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay was one of India’s greatest thinkers and nation-builders, who dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation.

Yepthomi stated that though Upadhyay lived a short life, his vision and philosophy left an indelible mark on the soul of India.

 He reminded the people that a nation’s strength lies not only in its economy or politics but also in its civilisational values, spirituality, and sense of humanity.

He maintained that Panditji gave the guiding philosophy of Ekatma Manav Darshan (Integral Humanism), which was not just a political theory but a way of life that emphasized harmony between material progress and spiritual values, as well as between individual aspirations and collective responsibility.

Asserting that Upadhyay gave the principle of Antyodaya—the uplift of the last man and the empowerment of the most deprived—he said the belief was simple yet profound: that until the poorest and the weakest are empowered, India cannot truly prosper.

Yepthomi also claimed that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the people see Pandit Deendayal Ji’s vision coming alive, highlighting initiatives such as Jan Dhan accounts ensuring financial inclusion, Ujjwala Yojana giving dignity to women, and Ayushman Bharat ensuring healthcare for the poor—all echoing his dream of Antyodaya.

On the occasion, the president called upon the party workers not only to pay tribute to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay but also to rededicate themselves to his ideals.

State president of ST Morcha, Thomas Magh, who spoke on self-reliant India and Swadeshi, called upon party workers to be actively involved and aligned with the party’s vision and schemes to reach out to the people in the state.

The programme, chaired by Medochȕtuo Kiewhuo, BJP state secretary, began with an invocation prayer by Keviphonuo Ngukha, state office secretary, followed by a welcome address delivered by Vizhalie Sanchu, secretary Kohima district BJP.  BJP state vice president Eduzu Theluo proposed vote of thanks.

The occasion was marked by cake cutting and lighting of lamp.