Union Home and Cooperatives Minister Amit Shah said that Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh, a staunch nationalist thinker, was an Ajatshatru. He suffered many hardships during the Emergency period to protect democracy and played an important role in the work he did in the national interest in the then circumstances, due to which he was given the title of Rashtra Rishi. He was a Rashtrasevi in the true sense. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave true respect to the life and work of Nanaji Deshmukh by conferring him with the Bharat Ratna.
Amit Shah was addressing the Shraddhanjali Samaroha on Thursday in Chitrakoot, Satna district, marking the 15th death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh. The ceremony took place at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Shodh Sansthan. On this occasion, Shah and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the renovated Ram Darshan and unveiled the statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay with a remote. Shah also honoured the sculptors involved in the project. A grand feast was organized as part of the tribute. Three special programmes were held simultaneously in Chitrakoot—Nanaji’s Shraddhanjali Samaroha, the unveiling of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s statue, and the inauguration of Ram Darshan.
Shah paid homage to Bhagwan Kamta Nath while remembering the remarkable contributions of Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh. Shah highlighted that Nanaji, born in Maharashtra, joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and dedicated himself to serving in Uttar Pradesh. He played a pivotal role in expanding the Jan Sangh to the grassroots level. Shah noted that despite being actively involved in politics, Nanaji was a leader without enemies—an exceptional and rare quality in a political career.
Shah said that Nanaji Deshmukh made remarkable contributions beyond politics, particularly in social service. He dedicated his life to realizing the philosophy of Integral Humanism and worked tirelessly to eradicate social evils while remaining untouched by them. His principles will serve as a guiding light for politicians for generations to come. Shah also highlighted that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Nanaji Deshmukh were contemporaries, with Pt. Upadhyaya linking India’s progress to the upliftment of the most marginalized sections of society. While many once considered the practical implementation of Integral Humanism impossible, Nanaji proved otherwise by laying the foundation of Antyodaya through the concept of Gramodaya in Chitrakoot.
the Union Home Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, 60 crore families across the country are benefiting from various essential facilities, including housing, clean drinking water, cooking gas, and free healthcare. Referring to the vision of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Shah mentioned that efforts are underway to transform every village in Madhya Pradesh into Gokul. He said that these initiatives, deeply rooted in Indian values, align with Nanaji Deshmukh’s vision of integrating agriculture, education, and the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam on a global scale. He further stressed that while the nation continues to progress, preserving and carrying forward its rich heritage remains equally important.
Shah described Nanaji Deshmukh as a skilled organizer who played a crucial role during the Emergency when people across the country united to protect democracy. During this period of intense political movements, the Jan Sangh gained prominence, and Nanaji, prioritizing the spirit of Nation First, facilitated the merger of various parties.
