‘A Life Of Service And Self-Reliance’: PM Modi Pays Tribute To Nanaji Deshmukh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to Nanaji Deshmukh, the noted social reformer and politician, on his birth anniversary, describing him as a visionary nation builder who devoted his life to the ideals of self-reliance and rural empowerment.

In a post on the social media platform, the Prime Minister shared a video tribute honouring Deshmukh’s lifelong service and dedication.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Paying homage to the great Nanaji Deshmukh on his birth anniversary. He was a visionary social reformer, nation builder and lifelong advocate of self-reliance and rural empowerment. His life was an embodiment of dedication, discipline and service to society.”

In the video message, PM Modi reflected on Deshmukh’s lifelong mission to serve the country. He highlighted Deshmukh’s remarkable influence through the Deendayal Upadhyay Institute. Moreover, he noted that the institute inspired countless young people to dedicate themselves to the cause of nation-building.

“Nanaji Deshmukh lived his entire life for the nation. Through the Deendayal Upadhyay Institute, he inspired many to live for and serve the country. He invited young couples to contribute, and hundreds came forward. He involved them in the development of villages,” the Prime Minister said.

Recalling his humility and principled choices, PM Modi said Deshmukh declined offers of political power. Instead, he chose to dedicate himself to grassroots development.

“Following the ideals of JP Narayan, he refused any Cabinet position and chose to work in Chitrakoot and Gonda, dedicating nearly three decades to their progress,” he further noted.

In another post on X, the Prime Minister shared a 1978 Janata Party press statement. He wrote that Nanaji Deshmukh drew deep inspiration from Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan.

“Nanaji Deshmukh was deeply inspired by Loknayak JP. His reverence to JP and his vision for youth development, service and nation building can be seen in this message he shared when he was the Mahamantri of the Janata Party,” PM Modi posted.

Born on 11 October 1916 in Hingoli district, Maharashtra, Nanaji Deshmukh emerged as one of India’s most respected social reformers and political thinkers.

Deeply influenced by Lokmanya Tilak and Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founding head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Deshmukh, however, dedicated his life to advancing education, healthcare, and self-reliant rural development.

A pioneering advocate of ‘Antyodaya’, Nanaji Deshmukh worked to uplift the poorest and most marginalised. Furthermore, he sought to translate this vision into reality through Gramodaya, the comprehensive development of villages.

His projects, however, demonstrated that lasting progress could only achieved through a balanced focus on education, health, economy, and sustainability.

Nanaji Deshmukh’s life and work continue to inspire generations. He believed that true national growth begins in the villages. For him, self-sufficiency and dignity were the foundations that empower every citizen.

Also Read: Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan’s Call For Sampoorna Kranti Ignited A Societal Movement: PM Modi