Integral Humanism: A Political Philosophy Rooted on Indian Culture

The real contribution in the freedom struggle by leaders such as Bala Gangadhara Tilak and Mahathma Gandhiji was ‗Hindu Swaraj‘. Their life time could be different, but their motive behind the freedom struggle was rooted in India‘s age-old culture. Nehru had an entirely different political philosophy that mostly differed with Gandhiji‘s, but he emerged at the centre stage in independent India after the untimely death of Gandhiji and Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Political philosophies in the modern era are rooted in the uprising against theocratic Papal States. Most of these modern political philosophies are quite dogmatic, as they emerged as a reaction to political, social and economic situations/circumstances that existed/prevailed in European continent at the time, and hence, have promoted social strife and conflict. Intelligence is what differentiates the humankind from other life forms and this intelligence has enhanced the livelihood, standards and thought of the world itself. Humankind is the ultimate in evolution and our ability, capacity and capability have given the world many new ideas and thoughts that can elevate Planet Earth into Heaven. Unfortunately, the humankind has been reduced to a life of an animal, through concepts like the ‗Survival of the Fittest‘. Nehru, through his western influence, adopted socio-political and economic models that alienated the common man from the naturally-evolved, original political system and thoughts of India. This ancient nation‘s culture, ethos and literatures were not just neglected, but attempts have been made to even obliterate these. The indigenous higher thoughts were not given due consideration, leave alone adopting them in the independent India‘s governance and political, socioeconomic environment. Here is where the contribution of social and political activists like Deendayal Upadhyaya and his political thought and philosophy, named as Integral Humanism, gain credence and importance. This concept and thought is rooted firmly in India‘s original ethos, virtues, culture and social thoughts such as ‗one for all and all for one‘. It is this beautiful, ideal concept of Integral Humanism that is apt and suitable to India.