The state unit of the BJP will observe 2017 as the year of welfare for the country's underprivileged to commemorate Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya's birth centenary.

The party, along with the RSS, aims to reach out to the underprivileged by highlighting the contributions of Upadhyaya, who was born on September 25, 1916, in Mathura district and was the leader of the BJP's predecessor Jan Sangh from 1953 to 1968.

BJP president Amit Shah, who will arrive in Patna on January 10, will inaugurate the year-long celebrations on the same day at SK Memorial hall. He will also release a 15-volume book with the teachings and philosophies of Upadhyaya.

Senior Bihar BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP R.K. Sinha, who was inducted into the Jan Sangh in 1966 at Bhagalpur, said: "The books will have Upadhyaya's philosophies. The BJP has constituted an editorial board to compile the book based on feedback from different sectors, people and grassroot workers."

BJP sources pointed out that the NDA government has launched various schemes honouring Upadhyaya. Economic inclusion programmes such as the Jandhan Yojna and social security programs are based on Upadhyaya's Antyodaya philosophy which said the fruits of development should reach the poor.

State vice-president of the BJP, Lalbabu Prasad, said: "Panchayats and (village) mandals will be asked to organise events throughout the year to celebrate. Party cadres and leaders will organise the events especially for the underprivileged and will distribute books, stationery, clothes and even foodgrains."

Shah is also expected to visit Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib as part of his visit to the state. He will offer prayers and participate in langar.