Chandigarh, April 26
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria stated that “Integral Humanism” is not merely an ideology, but a way of life that offers a holistic solution to the complex challenges of the modern world. He was addressing an intellectual seminar on ‘Integral Humanism’ held on Sunday at Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan, Punjab Lok Bhawan.
In his address, the Governor recalled the great thinker Deendayal Upadhyaya and said that he presented this philosophy in a modern context during the 1960s, drawing from the core essence of Indian culture, the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. He emphasized that Integral Humanism views a human being not merely as an economic or social unit, but as an integrated whole of body, mind, intellect, and soul.
Kataria stated that this philosophy promotes harmony among the individual (Vyakti), society (Samaj), nature (Srishti), and the supreme reality (Parameshti). He stressed that there is no conflict between the individual and society; rather, their relationship is based on mutual cooperation and complementarity.
Referring to environmental challenges, the Governor said that the world today is grappling with issues such as global warming and climate change, primarily due to exploitative tendencies toward nature. Quoting “Mata Bhumih Putro’ham Prithivyah,” he underlined the need to maintain a balanced relationship with nature.
Referring to the teachings of Sikh Gurus, the Governor said that messages like “Sarbat da Bhala” and “Pavan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat” reflect the core principles of Integral Humanism. The Governor described “Antyodaya” as a key pillar of Integral Humanism, emphasizing that true progress is measured by how effectively development reaches the last person in society. He said that development remains incomplete until those at the very end are provided with education, healthcare, and a life of dignity.
On the occasion, National General Secretary (Organisation), BJP, B. L. Santhosh, delivered his views on the contemporary relevance of Integral Humanism as the keynote speaker. Distinguished guests present on the occasion included Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh; Dr. Dharinder Tayal, author and socio-political analyst; and Shri Lalit Sharma (The North News). Other prominent dignitaries present included Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Sardar Iqbal Singh Lalpura; former Speaker of Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Gyan Chand Gupta; President of BJP Chandigarh, Jatinder Malhotra; DGP Chandigarh, Sagarpreet Hooda; and other prominent socio-political personalities of the region.
In his concluding remarks, the Governor urged youth and intellectuals to not confine this philosophy to books, but to adopt it in their lives and conduct, in order to build a prosperous, balanced, and compassionate “Developed India.” He concluded his address with the peace mantra “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah.”
