Addressing the Deendayal Memorial Lecture in Jaipur, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat affirmed that the philosophy of Integral Humanism, or Ekatma Manavvad, articulated by Deendayal Upadhyaya remains profoundly relevant to the world today, six decades after its inception. Bhagwat asserted that Upadhyaya’s work was a successful articulation of the timeless ideas of Sanatan thought presented within a modern context.

The lecture, organized by the Ekatma Manav Darshan Research and Development Foundation, served as a platform for Bhagwat to distill the essence of Integral Humanism for the audience. He stated that the core of the philosophy can be encapsulated in a single word: ‘dharma’. Crucially, Bhagwat clarified that within the context of Integral Humanism, dharma is not to be understood as religion, sect, or creed. Instead, he defined it as “the path that ensures collective well-being” and that which “upholds everything.” He stressed that the world today is in dire need of walking on the path of dharma as defined and outlined by Integral Humanism.

Bhagwat noted that while material aspects of life—lifestyles, food habits, and clothing—have inevitably shifted over the decades due to progress and change, the fundamental core of Sanatan thought, upon which Integral Humanism is based, has remained constant.

The Foundation of Inner Happiness and Harmony

The RSS chief elaborated on the foundational principle of Upadhyaya’s philosophy, which hinges on an understanding of human happiness and interconnection.

“The foundation of Integral Humanism is the understanding that happiness is not outside us, but within. When we recognise this inner happiness, we realise that the world is interconnected,” Bhagwat said.

He emphasized that Integral Humanism is inherently a philosophy rooted in balance and harmony, and it fundamentally rejects extremism. This pursuit of balance applies even to the utilization of power. Bhagwat stated that there are, and must be, limits even to power, and that “True progress lies in pursuing one’s development while ensuring the welfare of all.” This concept of simultaneous self-development and universal well-being stands as a key tenet of the philosophy’s global relevance.

Technology, Inequality, and the Search for Contentment

Bhagwat utilized his address to draw a sharp contrast between unchecked material progress and true human contentment, highlighting the shortcomings of the current global paradigm. While acknowledging rapid scientific advancements and the expansion of material comforts brought by technology, he questioned whether these advancements have translated into increased peace or genuine contentment.

He posed a poignant question: “There are more medicines today, but are people healthier than before? Some illnesses arise from the medicines themselves,” suggesting that material solutions often generate new problems, failing to address the deeper, holistic needs of human beings.

Furthermore, the RSS chief highlighted the stark reality of global inequality, pointing out the alarming statistic that only 4 per cent of the world’s population uses nearly 80 per cent of its resources. This disparity underscores the imbalance that Integral Humanism seeks to correct through its focus on collective well-being and limits on consumption.

Concluding his remarks on India’s unique contribution to this philosophy, Bhagwat celebrated the nation’s millennia-old commitment to pluralism. He noted that despite India’s immense diversity—in beliefs, practices, and deities—its plurality has historically been a “reason for celebration,” never a cause of fundamental conflict.

He contrasted this with the global dilemma, stating that people worldwide recognize that the body, mind, and intellect all seek happiness, but they lack the understanding of how to achieve harmony among them. Bhagwat concluded with the assertion: “India understands this,” positioning Integral Humanism as a vital philosophical framework originating from Indian thought that offers a holistic, balanced, and sustainable model for collective human progress and global peace.

The memorial lecture began with introductory remarks delivered by Mahesh Sharma, chairperson of the Ekatma Manav Darshan Research and Development Foundation.