Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh – a visionary in the rural development of India – was the architect of Gonda, Chitrakoot and Beed gram-vikas. Though born in Maharashtra, Nanaji’s true field of work was in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. In his early years, he was drawn to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He played a pivotal role in the formation of the Jan Sangh, Janata Dal, and the Bharatiya Janata Party. At the age of sixty, Nanaji retired from politics to fully dedicate himself to social service.

Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, he brought to life three major rural development projects – in Gonda, Beed, and Chitrakoot. Nanaji was a model national figure – a blend of sacrifice, service, patriotism, and love for the nation. His personality resembled that of a sage – firm in his thoughts, unbound by caste or creed, and free from any kind of discrimination. He was driven by a deep desire for social reform and an ever-present urge to innovate for the betterment of society. Nanaji was a fountain of energy and inspiration. Even at the age of 75, he undertook the Chitrakoot project. He was a true karmayogi.

Nanaji’s life can be seen in four phases. The first, from his birth to his education (approximately 1916 to 1936). The second, from 1937 to 1950, when he worked in Uttar Pradesh as a full-time RSS pracharak. The third phase, from 1951 to 1978, saw him active in politics, where his organizational skills and leadership qualities came to the fore. The fourth and final phase began with his retirement from politics in 1979, dedicating himself to society’s service in Gonda, Chitrakoot and Beed  until his passing in 2010 at the age of 94. Nanaji Deshmukh lived and breathed for the welfare of the people. 

Nanaji Deshmukh’s childhood was far from easy. He lost his mother when he was just a year and a half old, and not long after, his father also passed away. In essence, he never truly experienced the warmth and affection of parental love. He spent his early years moving from one relative to another—first living with one sister, then another, and eventually staying with his maternal uncle for his education.

It was during this turbulent period that he came into contact with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where he found guidance under the nurturing care of Dr. Hedgewar, the organization’s founder. Dr. Hedgewar, who became a father figure to him, recognized Nanaji’s potential and supported him with affection and purpose. However, even this precious companionship was short-lived. Despite that, Dr. Hedgewar’s personality and mission left such a lasting impression on Nanaji that, standing at Hegdewar's blazing funeral pyre, Nanaji took a solemn vow: to remain a lifelong bachelor and dedicate himself wholly to the service of the RSS.

Before even completing his formal education, in 1940, Nanaji was sent to Agra and later to Uttar Pradesh to expand the Sangh’s reach. Armed with the ideology of  Dr. Hedgewar—full of purpose, devotion, perseverance and tireless effort—Nanaji set off to build a meaningful life in service to the nation. 

Once in Uttar Pradesh, Nanaji’s personality flourished on all fronts. His oratory, conversational finesse, organizational brilliance, and ability to bring people together all came to the fore. The post-independence era was a time of deep unrest—not just for the RSS but for the entire country. Mahatma Gandhi had been assassinated, princely states were being merged into the Union, and the Congress was the dominant political force. After Gandhi's assassination, the RSS was banned for the first time, and many senior leaders were imprisoned. The crisis of refugees from Pakistan added to the turbulence. Despite all this, the RSS emerged more resilient, and its volunteers more tested and refined.

After 1977, the Janata Party was formed. During this phase, Nanaji developed close bonds with towering figures like Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. These friendships, built on mutual respect and shared ideals, remained unbroken throughout his life.

The period of Emergency in India was particularly difficult. Many political leaders were imprisoned, and widespread dissatisfaction grew across states due to inflation and controversial policies. Some leaders operated from underground during this time. Amidst this turmoil, Nanaji Deshmukh’s exceptional organizational skills played a key role in the formation of the Janata Party.

In the general elections of 1977, Nanaji contested from the Balrampur constituency and won a landslide victory to enter the Lok Sabha. When Morarji Desai became Prime Minister, he offered Nanaji a cabinet position. But Nanaji declined and chose instead to retire from politics at the age of sixty. From 1979 until the end of his life, he dedicated himself entirely to serving the marginalized and tribal communities.

One memorable incident from that era stands out. In 1998, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister, he continued to hold Nanaji in high esteem, recognizing his unmatched organizational acumen. A journalist once asked Vajpayee, “Is there dictatorship within the Jan Sangh?”—a question prompted by the perceived influence of the RSS within the party. Vajpayee humorously replied,

“There is no “tanashahi”, but there is certainly ‘Nanashahi’!”

In 1999, the Government of India honored Nanaji with the Padma Vibhushan for his immense contribution to social work. Later, in 2009, the Government of Madhya Pradesh established Nanaji Deshmukh University in his name.

In 1997, as he turned 81, Nanaji drafted his will. True to his lifelong values, he pledged to donate his body after death—wishing for even his physical remains to be of use to society. Not only that, he set aside ₹11,000 specifically for the last rites. He also instructed that his adopted son Hemant Pandey and adopted daughter Kumud Singh should carry out the arrangements for the body donation. Nanaji Deshmukh lived for society—and even in death, he remained in service to it.

Until the age of ninety, Nanaji Deshmukh worked with remarkable energy and enthusiasm. As his body gradually began to tire, he turned to writing letters to young volunteers. He had immense faith in the power of youth. Through these letters, he inspired them to bring about meaningful change in society. He firmly believed that only the younger generation could truly transform the nation.

After 2005, it became nearly impossible for Nanaji to leave his Siyaram Kuti in Chitrakoot. His eyesight deteriorated, yet he continued to engage in regular discussions with key workers about various ongoing projects in Chitrakoot, offering them guidance. Later, his hearing too began to fail. Many around him felt he should be moved to Delhi for better medical treatment and care. But Nanaji firmly refused. He insisted that his final moments should be spent in his karmabhoomi—the land where he had dedicated his life to service.

Eventually, he was admitted to the Sadguru Seva Sangh Hospital in Chitrakoot for rest and medical attention.

On 8 February 2010, a World Conference for Senior Citizens was held in Chitrakoot. Nanaji attended it, but just weeks later, on 27 February 2010, he passed away—merging with the five elements of nature. A living sage, a true Brahmarshi of action, brought his life’s sacred mission to a calm.

The “Modern Rhishi”— his name remains etched in the hearts of the people, a shining legacy for generations to come.

"I am not for myself; I belong to those who are mine. And mine are those who are oppressed, and deprived."

This was not just a slogan for Nanaji Deshmukh—it was a life he truly lived.

In 2019, the Government of India posthumously honored him with the Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian award. Nanaji was, in every sense, a divine instrument sent to earth for social transformation and rural empowerment.

He was deeply inspired by Gandhian philosophy and the ideals of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. As a result, his focus remained firmly on self-reliance, sustainable development, the integration of indigenous and traditional technologies, and building a society free from conflict and division.

Nanaji's memory continues to inspire, serving as a powerful source of strength and purpose.