The Philosophy of Sarvodaya: Gandhi's Path to Social Justice

Mahatma Gandhi is recognized as the Father of the Nation because he dedicated his life to the service of all human beings, irrespective of religion, caste, gender, or race. His philosophy was rooted in the welfare of all—an idea encapsulated in the concept of Sarvodaya. Derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Sarva’ meaning “all” and ‘Udaya’ meaning “uplift” or “rising,” Sarvodaya signifies the welfare and upliftment of all. The term Sarvodaya first appeared in Gandhi's Gujarati translation of John Ruskin’s book Unto This Last, which deeply influenced him. The primary objective of Sarvodaya is the holistic development of not only Indian society but of the global human community. According to Gandhi, every human being is inherently equal and possesses the right to live life with dignity and according to their own will. This research paper aims to explore Gandhi’s concept of Sarvodaya—its philosophical foundations, practical implications, and continued relevance in contemporary society