1. 1. Addressing Poverty and Inequality: According to Reuters Poll, despite significant economic growth, India still faces high levels of poverty and inequality (Reuters, India Economic Disparity Persists Despite its Roaring GDP Growth). In modern times, this philosophy of Antyodaya is operationalized through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, a modern governmental scheme aimed at empowering the marginalized sections of the society.
      Specifically, the Deendayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana (DDUAY) is an important initiative that targets poverty alleviation by enhancing livelihood in both rural and urban areas. This scheme addressed key aspects of Upadhyaya’s vision by focusing on self-reliance, skills development, and employment generation for the underprivileged.

1. 1. Promote Sustainable Development: Antyodaya underscores the importance of sustainable development. With increased environmental challenges, including climate change and resource depletion, the philosophy encourages practices that maintain ecological balance. This approach aligns with global sustainability goals, encouraging a shift towards green technologies and sustainable agriculture.

      The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana addresses rural poverty by promoting environmentally sustainable livelihood, such as organic farming, soil conservation, and water management. Further, Deendayal Upadhyaya Krishi Kaushal Yojana promotes sustainable agricultural practices, by helping farmers improve crop yields without depleting natural resources, aligning agriculture with ecological balance.

1. Enhance Self-Reliance and Resilience: The call for “economic independence as necessary for economic freedom” (Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Concept of Antyodaya and Analysis of Economic Policy) in the Antyodaya philosophy is relevant in the present context, where the global supply chains are often disrupted by geopolitical tensions. Promoting self-reliance, particularly in essential sectors like agriculture and healthcare, can help mitigate vulnerabilities and enhance national resilience. By fostering local industries and supporting farmers, India can reduce dependency on imports and build a more robust economy.
   Deendayal Upadhyaya National Rural Livelihood Mission fosters rural self-reliance by promoting community based organizations, self-help groups, and local enterprise. It empowers rural communities to generate their own income, reducing dependence on external markets and enhancing resilience in the face of economic shocks. Deendayal Upadhyaya Swavalamban Yojana encourages entrepreneurship and provides financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas. It reduces dependence on imports by promoting local production and self-reliant industries.

Antyodaya stands as a guiding principle for addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by modern-day India, rooted in the vision of Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Integral Humanism. It calls for a shift from traditional metrics of development based solely on economic growth to a more inclusive approach, prioritizing the welfare and upliftment of the most marginalized sections of society. By emphasizing self-reliance, sustainable development, and local empowerment, Antyodaya promotes a balanced path that aligns economic progress with social equity and ecological responsibility. As India continues to evolve in the rapidly changing global landscape, the timeless principles of Antyodaya offer a compassionate and holistic framework for building a more just, resilient, and prosperous nation- one where the true measure of success is the well-being of the last person.

This blog is prepared under the supervision of Prof. Sampadananda Mishra, Director, Centre for Human Sciences, Rishihood University.