Revisiting Philosophical Foundations, Principles, Roles and Relevance of Gandhian Sarvodaya in Twenty First Century India: An Analysis

Abstract

Mahatma Gadhi was not only a pioneering leader of the Indian independence movement but he was also a renowned social activist, reformer, and thinker as well. The truth (i.e., Satya) and non-violence (i.e., Ahimsa) are two inevitable elements of his overall ideology and philosophy. Mahatma Gandhi is widely recognized and regarded for his economic, social and political ideologies and thoughts. His contributions across different spheres of life are very relevant in the contemporary global society. The concept of Sarvodaya is the core of Gandhian ideology and philosophy. This concept has far reaching and overarching implications on social, economic, and political aspects of human beings. It is the Gandhian social philosophy that aims at the establishment of discrimination and disparity free society. It refers to the ideology that is meant with the welfare and wellbeing of all i.e., progress and prosperity of each and every human being existing on the earth. The contemporary society has been struggling with numerous social, economic and political challenges across the world. The Sarvodaya ideology has potential to transform discrimination based and disparity oriented society into an ideal society wherein everyone has equal rights and opportunities to progress and prosper irrespective of caste, creed, community or class to which one belongs. Thus, Gandhian Sarvodaya envisages about the establishment of an egalitarian society across the country. The Gandhian philosophy of Sarvodaya has remedy to all the problems prevailing across Indian society, provided it is implemented properly with commitment and sincerity. The ideology of Antyodaya [i.e., wellbeing of the weaker] introduced by Deen Daya Upadhayay is a part of the ideology of Sarvodaya [i.e., welfare of all]. These two ideologies ensure progress, prosperity and wellbeing of marginalized peoples of the society. This article is an attempt to review the philosophy and principles of Sarvodaya, and its role and relevance in the contemporary India society.