Delhi, 11 October (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid glowing tributes to Nanaji Deshmukh on his birth anniversary, describing him as a visionary social reformer, dedicated nation builder and tireless advocate of self-reliance and rural development.

“Paying homage to the great Nanaji Deshmukh on his birth anniversary. He was a visionary social reformer, nation builder and lifelong advocate of self-reliance and rural empowerment. His life was an embodiment of dedication, discipline and service to society,” PM Modi wrote in a heartfelt message on social media 'X'.

The Prime Minister further highlighted Deshmukh’s deep reverence for Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, noting that his work drew immense inspiration from JP’s ideals of democracy, social justice and people-led transformation.

“Nanaji Deshmukh was deeply inspired by Loknayak JP. His reverence to JP and his vision for youth development, service and nation building can be seen in this message he shared when he was the Mahamantri of the Janata Party,”PM Modi said.

Born on October 11, 1916, in Kadoli village of Maharashtra, Chandikadas Amritrao Deshmukh, popularly known as Nanaji Deshmukh, was a stalwart of Indian public life who dedicated his entire career to social service and nation building. A prominent leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Nanaji believed true national progress began in the villages of India.After a distinguished political career, he shifted his focus entirely to rural upliftment.

Through the establishment of Deendayal Research Institute (DRI) and his pioneering work in Chitrakoot, he demonstrated how holistic rural development — centred on education, health, agriculture and self-reliance — could transform communities. His model villages became shining examples of sustainable living and grassroots empowerment.

Honoured with the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2019, Nanaji Deshmukh’s life continues to inspire generations of social workers and policymakers devoted to rebuilding India from its villages outward.PM Modi said that Nanaji’s ideals of simplicity, selfless service and commitment to national good remain relevant even today. “His vision is a guiding light for our efforts to strengthen rural India and make the nation self-reliant,” PM Modi noted.

Nanaji’s birth anniversary, which coincides with that of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, stands as a reminder of two extraordinary figures who shaped India’s democratic and developmental destiny with unmatched courage, character and compassion.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar