Various Initiatives to Mark the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Integral Humanism Amrit Mahotsav – Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha

Mumbai : Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay emphasized that true democracy can be achieved only when development reaches the last person in society. His profound philosophy of Antyodaya—uplifting the most marginalized—forms the foundation of the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Integral Humanism Amrit Mahotsav, which will be celebrated across Maharashtra. Minister of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, announced that various programs will be organized during this festival and directed all government departments and district administrations to ensure its success.

The festival will be held from April 22 to 25, 2025. A preparatory meeting was convened at the Ministry under the leadership of Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik. Addressing the meeting, Minister Lodha emphasized the state’s commitment to promote Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s human-centric vision. Present at the meeting were senior officials including Additional Secretary of the Skill Development Department Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Divyang Welfare Department Anil Diggikar, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department Atul Patne, Principal Secretary of School Education Ranjitsingh Deol, Secretary of Women and Child Development Anup Kumar Yadav, Secretary of Tribal Development Vijay Waghmare, and Secretary of the Deendayal Research Institute Atul Jain.

District Collectors across the state also joined the meeting via video conferencing. A dedicated committee for organizing the Mahotsav has been formed by the government, with Minister Lodha as its chairman. Maharashtra is the first state in the country to begin celebrations of this nationwide initiative aimed at spreading the visionary thoughts of Pandit Upadhyay for the welfare of humanity.

To spread awareness among students about Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s life, philosophy, and Integral Humanism, one lakh booklets will be distributed in each district. The festival will focus on skill development in rural areas, particularly through self-help groups, anganwadis, and schools. District Collectors have also been instructed to plan village-level cleanliness drives and solid waste management programs. Minister Lodha stressed that efforts must be made on a war footing to ensure that government schemes reach the last mile. Departments including Women and Child Development, School Education, Rural Development, Cultural Affairs, Tribal Development, Environment, and Tourism will contribute to the Mahotsav through various programs.

Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik instructed all District Collectors to form local committees and implement the event effectively at the district level as per government guidelines.