Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to social activist and politician Nanaji Deshmukh on his birth anniversary, describing him as a ‘remarkable nation-builder’ whose work demonstrated the importance of grassroots development. He also pledged to continue working towards Deshmukh’s vision of a strong and self-reliant India.
Born on October 11, 1916, in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district, Deshmukh dedicated his life to education, healthcare and rural self-reliance. Inspired by Lokmanya Tilak and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, he championed rural development and community participation.
In a post on X, PM Modi said Deshmukh combined political conviction with constructive social action and believed that genuine transformation began at the grassroots. He added that the government would continue working to fulfil his vision of a self-reliant India.
Paying homage to Nanaji Deshmukh on his birth anniversary. He is fondly remembered as a remarkable nation-builder who demonstrated in thought and action that true transformation begins at the grassroots. His life combined political conviction with constructive social action, devoting himself to rural development and community participation. We will leave no stone unturned in realising his vision for a strong and self-reliant India.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 11, 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage to Deshmukh, describing him as an inspiration for the concept of ‘Gramodaya se Rashtriya Uday’ — the nation’s progress through village development.
Shah said Deshmukh dedicated himself to uplifting the most disadvantaged sections of society, promoting rural development and advancing self-reliance. He added that Deshmukh’s commitment to the organisation and contribution to nation-building would continue to inspire young people.
ग्रामोदय से राष्ट्रोदय के प्रणेता एवं महान राष्ट्रसेवी, भारत रत्न नानाजी देशमुख जी की जयंती पर सादर नमन।
राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ के संस्कारों को जीवन में उतारते हुए नानाजी ने समाज के अंतिम व्यक्ति के उत्थान, ग्रामीण विकास और स्वावलंबन के लिए स्वयं को पूर्णतः समर्पित कर दिया।
संगठन के प्रति उनकी अटूट निष्ठा तथा राष्ट्रनिर्माण में उनका अतुलनीय योगदान सदैव युवाओं के लिए अनुकरणीय रहेगा।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 11, 2026
Deshmukh’s work centred on Antyodaya, the principle of uplifting the last person in society, and Gramodaya, the comprehensive development of villages. He believed that rural progress required coordinated efforts in education, healthcare, economic growth and sustainability.
He also championed self-sufficient villages, arguing that empowering rural communities was essential to tackling poverty and underdevelopment. His vision continues to influence discussions on grassroots empowerment and rural transformation in India.
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