RSS chief stresses Antyodaya and Integral Humanism, calls for narrowing economic disparities and ensuring basic necessities for all
Yavatmal, September 2026 : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday stressed the need for inclusive economic and social development, saying the true measure of national progress lies in ensuring that its benefits reach the person at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder.
Addressing an event organised by the Deendayal Seva Pratishthan to mark the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Bhagwat spoke about the principles of Integral Humanism, or Ekatma Manav Darshan, and Antyodaya, which focuses on the welfare and upliftment of the last person in society.
Bhagwat acknowledged that development was taking place across the country but said reducing the disparity between different sections of society remained an important challenge. He argued that economic progress should not be assessed only through overall national growth but also by examining whether the benefits were reaching marginalised communities.
“People may argue that in a vast country like India, everyone cannot reach the same level of growth simultaneously. That perspective is acceptable, but the gap between the highest and lowest levels of development must be kept to an absolute minimum,” Bhagwat said.
He said that when economic growth failed to reach the poorest sections, policymakers needed to reassess their approach and place the needs of the most vulnerable at the centre of development planning.
The RSS chief also drew a distinction between poverty in historical India and deprivation in the modern context. He said that even economically disadvantaged families in earlier times generally had access to certain basic necessities required to live with dignity.
According to Bhagwat, six essential requirements should be available to every individual and family: adequate food and nutrition, clothing, shelter, basic education, healthcare and medical facilities, and the financial capacity to extend hospitality to guests and monks.
“In our country's history, even the poor were not deprived of these six essentials. They had enough to sustain a dignity-filled life,” he said.
Bhagwat argued that contemporary economic models should aim to ensure these minimum standards of living for all citizens. He linked the idea to the broader philosophy of Antyodaya, under which development is expected to prioritise those at the most disadvantaged end of society.
Turning to agriculture, Bhagwat said farming should not be viewed merely as a commercial activity or a system of production. He described agriculture as a social responsibility connected with the welfare of society and the larger global community.
He also cautioned against excessive dependence on chemical-based farming and called for agricultural practices that are more closely aligned with natural processes and environmental sustainability.
Bhagwat placed the idea of national prosperity within a wider humanitarian framework, saying that the well-being of one section of society could not be separated from that of others.
“No one can be truly happy in this world as long as suffering exists around us. To make our country prosperous and happy, every single citizen within it must be empowered,” he said.
His remarks centred on the need for development to combine economic growth with social inclusion, access to basic necessities and opportunities for those at the margins of society.
