2. Born on October 11, 1916 in Kadoli, a small town in the Parabhani District of Maharashtra Lost his parents at an early age Worked as a vendor and sold vegetables to complete his education. Received a higher education at the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani Inspired by LokamanyaTilak and his nationalist ideology About Nanaji
3. Nanaji had acquired interest in social service and activities from childhood. Established Bharat's first SaraswatiShishuMandir at Gorakhpur in 1950. Founded Deendayal Research Institute in 1972 to validate the philosophy of Integral Humanism propounded by Pandit DeendayalUpadhyaya Wanted Deendayal Research Institute to be devoted to strengthening the movement for constructive work in Bharat. Social Work
4. Nanaji implemented the philosophy of integral humanism to improve the living standard of more than 150 villages. Did pioneering work towards the anti-poverty and minimum needs programme Other areas of his work were agriculture and cottage industry, rural health and rural education Was also instrumental in carrying out social restructuring programme in over 500 villages of both Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh states of India
5. Did a lot of social work in Gonda and Beed — the most backward districts of U.P. and Maharashtra respectively. The motto of his project was: “Har hath kodengekaam, harkhetkodengepaanee”. Later he settled in Chitrakut , a holy place on the borders of U.P. and Madhya Pradesh. And made Chitrakoot the centre of his social work.
6. Established ChitarkootGramodyaVishwavidyalaya in Chitrakoot- Bharat's first Rural University Developed a model for the development of rural areas on the basis of Integral Humanism The basis of the project is 'Total transformation through total development with people's initiative and participation'.
7. DRI has association with the following important institutions among others WadiaGroup, ApeejayEducation Society (AES), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Khadiand Village Industries Commission, Development and Relief Fund (IDRF), Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (MPCST),
8. Was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1999. Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has lavished praise on Deshmukh and the organization started by him He said : DRI is a unique institution developing and implementing a village development model which is most suited for India,". "Apart from all the development activities, the institute is facilitating a cohesive conflict-free society. As a result of this, I understand that the 80 villages around Chitrakoot are almost litigation-free". "The villagers have unanimously decided that no dispute will find its way to the courts. The differences will be sorted out amicably in the village itself. The reason given by NanajiDeshmukh is that if the people fight among each other, they have no time for development,". "I consider that this model may be propagated in many parts of the country by societal organisations, judicial organisations and government Achievements
