Understanding Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay philosophy on communication for social development in India
Friends’ Thank you for landing
on my BLOG PAGE.
Sharing
knowledge with you has become my passion now. I feel encouraged after reading
your feedback in the comment’s column. Friends, everything I do or say is
PR. After creating a new Official World Record in the category "Maximum
Number of Public Relations Blogs by An Individual" on the occasion of
India's 78th Independence Day - August 15, 2024, my journey
continues. Friends’ I'm delighted to share my 166th blog
titled “Understanding Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay philosophy on
communication for social development in India”.
“हमारी राष्ट्रीयता का आधार भारत माता है केवल भारत ही नहीं। माता शब्द हटा दीजिए तो भारत केवल ज़मीन का टुकड़ा मात्र बन कर रह जाएगा।” ~ दीनदयाल उपाध्याय
“The basis of our nationality is Mother India, not only
India. If you remove the word mother, India will remain just a piece of land.”
Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay emphasizes the significance of
the phrase "Mother India" (Bharat Mata) in defining Indian
nationality. He conveys that merely saying "India" reduces the
country to a geographical entity, devoid of emotional connection and cultural
heritage.
By using the word
"Mother," Pt. Upadhyay highlights the nurturing, protective, and
sacred aspects of the relationship between Indians and their nation. He wishes
to convey that this emotional bond is essential to Indian identity and
nationalism. In essence, Pt. Upadhyay is emphasizing the importance of
patriotism, cultural roots, and emotional connection in defining one's
nationality, rather than just a physical space.
Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay was the leader of the Bharatiya
Jana Sangh from 1953 to 1968. A profound philosopher, organizer par excellence
and a leader who maintained the highest standards of personal integrity, he has
been the source of ideological guidance and moral inspiration for the BJP since
its inception. His treatise Integral Humanism, which is a critique of both
communism and capitalism, provides a holistic alternative perspective for
political action and statecraft consistent with the laws of Creation and the
universal needs of the human race. (BJP e-library,2017)
Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay envisioned a society where
every individual had the opportunity to realize their full potential. His
philosophy of integral humanism emphasizes the interconnectedness of human
beings and the need for a holistic approach to development.
Pt. Upadhyay’s notable works offer a glimpse into his
philosophical and political vision. His magnum opus, Ekatma Manav Vaad (also
translated as "Integral Humanism"), presents a holistic approach to
human development, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individual and
societal growth. In “Two Plans: Promises, Performance, Prospects” he critiques
India's Five-Year Plans, proposing an alternative development strategy.
“Political Diary” provides insight into his thoughts on politics, society, and
culture through his personal diary entries. Pt. Upadhyaya’s other works include
“Rashtra Jeevan ki Samasyaein” which addresses India's national challenges, and
“Bharatiya Arthniti: Vikas ki Disha” which outlines his vision for India's
economy within its cultural context. Additionally, “Rashtra Chintan” explores
his views on nationalism, patriotism, and the Indian nation-state, while
“Devaluation” critiques India's economic policies, particularly the 1966
devaluation of the Indian rupee. Books “Rashtra Jiwan ki Disha” and “Akhand
Bharat Kyon” offer valuable insights into Pt. Upadhyay’s thoughts on Indian
nationalism, culture, and politics, and are considered important contributions
to India's intellectual and political discourse.
Let’s study the application of Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay
philosophy on communication for social development in India.
Gram
Swaraj and Participatory Communication
Gram Swaraj, or
village self-rule, is a concept that emphasizes the importance of
decentralization and community participation in decision-making. This approach
recognizes that local communities are best equipped to identify and address
their unique challenges, and that their active participation is essential for
sustainable development. Effective communication is critical to the success of
Gram Swaraj, as it enables communities to actively participate in development
processes and decision-making. Participatory communication involves the active
involvement of all stakeholders in the communication process, ensuring that
everyone's voice is heard and valued. This approach recognizes that
communication is a two-way process, and that all stakeholders have valuable
insights and perspectives to contribute. In the Indian context, participatory
communication can be achieved through the use of community radio, village
councils, and other local communication platforms. When local communities are
actively involved in decision-making, they are more likely to take ownership of
development initiatives and work towards their successful implementation.
Participatory communication also helps to build trust and foster collaboration
among stakeholders, which is critical for addressing complex development
challenges.
Antyodaya
and Inclusive Communication
Antyodaya, or the upliftment of
the last person, is a concept that emphasizes the importance of reaching the
most marginalized sections of society. This approach recognizes that social and
economic development cannot be achieved without addressing the needs and
concerns of the most vulnerable populations. Inclusive communication is a
critical component of Antyodaya, as it involves designing communication
strategies that take into account the needs and perspectives of all
stakeholders, including those who are often marginalized or excluded. Inclusive
communication can be achieved through the use of local languages, culturally
sensitive messaging, and accessible communication channels. For instance, using
local languages in communication campaigns can help to ensure that messages are
understood and resonated with by the target audience. Similarly, culturally
sensitive messaging can help to avoid cultural insensitivities and ensure that
messages are relevant and effective.
Ekatma Manav Darshan and Communal Harmony
Ekatma Manav Darshan, or the integral humanism
framework, emphasizes the interconnectedness of human beings and the need for a
holistic approach to development. This approach recognizes that human beings
are not isolated entities, but are part of a larger web of relationships that
shape their identities, values, and behaviors. Communication can play a
critical role in promoting communal harmony by bridging social divides and
fostering interfaith dialogue. In India, where diverse communities coexist,
promoting communal harmony is essential for building a cohesive and inclusive
society. Communication strategies can be designed to promote communal harmony
by emphasizing shared values and promoting mutual understanding and respect.
For instance, communication campaigns can highlight the importance of
tolerance, empathy, and cooperation in promoting social cohesion.
Swadeshi and Sustainable Communication
Swadeshi, or self-reliance, is a concept that
emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and local languages
in developing culturally appropriate and sustainable communication models. This
approach recognizes that local communities have unique knowledge systems,
languages, and cultural practices that are essential for developing effective
and sustainable communication strategies. Sustainable communication involves
designing communication strategies that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible,
and economically viable. In India, where diverse local languages and indigenous
knowledge systems exist, sustainable communication can be achieved through the
use of local languages, indigenous knowledge systems, and environmentally
friendly communication channels. For instance, using local languages in
communication campaigns can help to ensure that messages are understood and
resonated with by the target audience. Similarly, incorporating indigenous
knowledge systems into communication strategies can help to promote cultural
sensitivity and relevance. This can involve using a range of communication
channels, including social media, community radio, and interpersonal
communication, to reach diverse audiences.
Communication for Social Change
Communication can play a critical role in driving
positive social transformation by raising awareness about critical social
issues, mobilizing public opinion, and advocating for policy changes. Effective
communication strategies can help to challenge dominant narratives, promote
alternative perspectives, and empower marginalized communities. In India,
communication strategies can be designed to promote social change by
emphasizing the importance of social justice, equality, and human rights.
Communication strategies must be designed to take into account the diverse
needs and perspectives of different stakeholders, including marginalized
communities, policymakers, and the general public. Communication for social
change can be achieved through a range of strategies, including social media
campaigns, community radio programs, and interpersonal communication
initiatives. For instance, social media campaigns can be used to
raise awareness about critical social issues, such as gender-based violence and
caste-based discrimination. Community radio programs can be used to promote
alternative perspectives and empower marginalized communities. Interpersonal
communication initiatives can be used to mobilize public opinion and advocate
for policy changes.
To promote communication for social change,
communication practitioners must work together to develop innovative
communication strategies that take into account the diverse needs and
perspectives of different stakeholders. This can involve using a range of
communication channels, including social media, community radio, and
interpersonal communication, to reach diverse audiences. Additionally,
communication strategies must be designed to promote social justice, equality,
and human rights, and by designing communication strategies that take into
account the diverse needs and perspectives of different stakeholders, we can
work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
To conclude, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji’s philosophy on
communication for social development offers valuable insights for fostering
inclusive and equitable communication strategies in India. By applying the
principles of integral humanism, Gram Swaraj, Antyodaya, Ekatma Manav Darshan,
and Swadeshi, communication practitioners can design effective communication
strategies that promote social change, communal harmony, and sustainable
development. As India continues to navigate the complexities of social
development, Pt. Upadhyay’s philosophy offers a valuable framework for
communication practitioners, and policymakers. By embracing the principles of
integral humanism and applying them to communication for social development,
India can move closer to achieving its goals of social justice, equality, and
human rights. Ultimately, the success of communication for social
development in India will depend on the ability of communication practitioners
to design and implement effective communication strategies that take into
account the diverse needs and perspectives of all stakeholders. By drawing on
the wisdom of Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s philosophy, communication practitioners
can play a critical role in promoting social change and fostering a more just
and equitable society in India.
Thank You for reading the blog.
#####
Comments
Post a Comment