Born on September 25, 1916, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was one of the most influential leaders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), which later evolved into today’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is widely remembered for his philosophy of Integral Humanism and his focus on Gandhian principles like sarvodaya (upliftment of all) and swadeshi (self-reliance). Beyond politics, his ideas have left a strong mark on India’s education sector as well.

Several universities, colleges, and institutes across India carry his name, reflecting his vision of accessible and value-based learning. Interestingly, his popularity as “Panditji” is also tied to his simplicity, as he appeared for the civil services exam dressed in traditional Indian attire—dhoti, kurta, and cap—at a time when western dressing dominated.

I chose to write about this topic because knowing the educational institutes named after Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya helps us understand how legacies are preserved through learning spaces. Education in India has always been more than classrooms—it is also about identity, values, and history. By naming institutions after leaders like him, the state ensures that students connect with ideas of self-sufficiency, social progress, and holistic development.

At the same time, this shows how education can serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity. For today’s students, parents, and teachers, recognising these institutes is not just about names on signboards but about the larger values they represent.

Major Institutes Named After Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya

Here are some of the key institutes across India:

• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College (DDUC), Delhi University – A reputed undergraduate college offering science, commerce, and humanities courses.
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Uttar Pradesh – A major state university with a wide range of academic and research programmes.
• Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), Gujarat – Now renamed Pandit Deendayal Energy University, focusing on engineering, energy studies, and management.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shekhawati University, Rajasthan – Established to provide higher education opportunities to students in the Shekhawati region.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Adarsha Mahavidyalaya, Assam – Part of the government’s initiative to bring quality education to rural areas.
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Institute for the Physically Handicapped, New Delhi – A leading institute focused on rehabilitation sciences and inclusive education.

Why These Institutes Matter

These institutes are not just about academic degrees; they represent a philosophy. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s emphasis on holistic development, self-reliance, and inclusivity finds reflection in how these institutes function. For example:

• Many of them focus on skill-based and professional education to prepare students for jobs.
• Rural-focused colleges ensure that even underserved communities have access to higher education.
• Institutes like PDPU specialise in energy and technology, showing his vision of combining self-sufficiency with modern growth.
• The Delhi rehabilitation institute reflects his commitment to inclusive education for differently-abled students.