Human Dignity in Indian and Western Political Thought: A Comparative Review of Deendayal Upadhyaya

Abstract

This paper provides systematic analysis of the concept of human dignity in Indian and Western political philosophy with special reference to the doctrine of Integral Humanism developed by Deendayal Upadhyaya. The Western conception of dignity puts forward an individual autonomy, self-determination, and rights as defined by Kant, Locke, and Rawls who placed dignity in the context of moral autonomy and distributive justice. Indian thinking on the contrary based dignity on metaphysical holiness of soul, following of dharma, and social harmony. The Upanishadic collection and the Bhagavad Gita present the individual as an ontological manifestation of the divine (Brahman), thus, putting human existence into an intrinsic value. Upadhyaya also characterizes human being as a harmonious unity of body, mind, intellect and soul and the soul as the ultimate seat of dignity; he denounces the multiplication of rights as a provoking factor of egotism and thus validates the duties as the basic seat of dignity. The paper also examines constitutional definition of dignity in India especially in the Preamble and Article 21 which recognize the right to a dignified life. It argues that dignity goes beyond a legal right but serves as a type of social-cultural and spiritual affirmation. Lastly, in the international arena, the paper recommends a positive conversation that balances cultural specificity and globalist goals, highlighting the relevance of the Indian point of view in modern policy development and moral considerations.