INTEGRAL HUMANISM: THE QUEST FOR SOCIO-POLITICAL IDENTITY IN HINDU NATIONALISM

Abstract [English]

Integral humanism, a philosophical framework promulgated by Deendayal Upadhyaya, has profoundly influenced the formation of post-colonial Indian identity. This research paper investigates the philosophical foundations of integral humanism and assesses its potential as a reaction to colonialism and Western hegemony. The examination explores the historical and cultural settings that led to the emergence of integral humanism, identifying its origins in the many Indian philosophical traditions. This study examines the emergence of integral humanism principles, including the focus on the individual's harmonious integration within the collective, the significance of both spiritual and material well-being, and the repudiation of Western-centric development paradigms, as a counter-narrative to the legacy of colonialism and the imposition of Western ideologies. The study examines the significance of holistic humanism in developing a uniquely Indian strategy for nation-building, social reform, and the safeguarding of cultural identity in the post-independence period. It analyses the impact of this philosophical framework on discussions on nationalism, the individual-state relationship, and the formulation of development paradigms that emphasise the comprehensive well-being of the human being. This research paper critically examines the philosophical underpinnings of integral humanism and its influence on the formation of post-colonial Indian identity, thereby contributing to the scholarly discourse on the intellectual and cultural legacies stemming from India's interaction with Western colonialism and the development of indigenous thought and practice.