Unpacking the Philosophy Behind BJP's Integral Humanism: What Does It Mean?
Understanding Integral Humanism
The constitution of the BJP states in Article 3 that the party's guiding philosophy is Integral Humanism. Members are required to affirm this belief through a pledge, which begins with a declaration of faith in Integral Humanism as the party's foundational philosophy. While many Indians recognize the term, few truly understand its implications.
Integral Humanism is derived from a series of four lectures delivered by Deendayal Upadhyaya in Mumbai from April 22 to 25, 1965. Upadhyaya, who held a bachelor's degree in arts and worked as a journalist for the RSS publication Panchjanya, was around fifty years old when he presented these lectures. He later became the president of the Jana Sangh. This article aims to summarize the core arguments of Upadhyaya's speeches in a neutral manner.
According to Upadhyaya, the challenges facing India stem from a disregard for national identity. He likens the nation to an individual, suggesting that it suffers when its inherent instincts are ignored. Despite gaining independence, India struggled to define its developmental path, as true independence should reflect cultural expression.
The focus on immediate issues—economic, social, and political—was a result of adopting Western perspectives on these matters. For many Indians, Westernization equated to progress. However, the West has struggled to harmonize nationalism, democracy, and socialism, which are often at odds with one another. These ideologies are not universally applicable and are limited by the specific cultures that birthed them. Upadhyaya posits that Indian culture could offer solutions to global challenges.
Contrary to the belief that Indian culture prioritizes spiritual salvation over the physical and mental realms, Upadhyaya argues that Dharma, or natural law, is paramount. He asserts that Dharma transcends governmental and societal structures, and any action contrary to it is inherently flawed. Thus, the concepts of 'secularism' and 'dharmnirpeksh' in the Constitution are misguided, as Dharma is essential for the state.
Upadhyaya emphasizes that national unity is a form of Dharma, suggesting that India's diversity presents challenges. He advocates for a shift in the Constitution from a federal to a unitary system, concentrating legislative power at the national level.
He critiques the Western view of the individual-state relationship as a catalyst for progress. Instead, he argues that individuals consist of body, mind, intellect, and soul, with the soul remaining unaffected by personal history. Similarly, national culture evolves but is rooted in a collective identity that remains constant despite historical events.
The distinction between India and the West lies in the perception of the body as a means to achieve Dharma. Indian philosophy integrates Dharma, Artha (wealth), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (liberation), while the West tends to treat these concepts separately. This separation has led to societal issues, as evidenced by the paradox of political freedom and widespread unhappiness in the United States.
This overview encapsulates the BJP's foundational philosophy. It raises questions about how well party members understand and embody these principles, especially given their pledge to uphold them.
By Aakar Patel