Who advocated that India would be truly independent only when the poorest of its people became free of human suffering?

The correct answer is Mahatma Gandhi.

Key Points

• Mahatma Gandhi, often referred to as the "Father of the Nation" in India, emphasized the importance of uplifting the poorest sections of society.
• He believed that true independence would only be achieved when the most marginalized people were free from suffering, poverty, and injustice.
• This philosophy aligns with his concept of "Sarvodaya," meaning the welfare of all, which he passionately advocated throughout his life.
• Gandhi's vision for India included a focus on self-reliance, rural development, and the empowerment of the underprivileged, especially through non-violent means.
• He often referred to the poorest individuals as "Daridranarayan," symbolizing God in the form of the poor, and prioritized their well-being in his ideology.

Additional Information

• Sarvodaya: A Gandhian principle meaning "universal uplift" or "progress for all," focusing on the well-being of the weakest sections of society.
• Mahatma Gandhi's economic philosophy, advocating that wealth should be held in trust and used for the welfare of society, particularly for the poor.
• Economic Self-Reliance: Gandhi promoted the use of khadi (handwoven cloth) and village industries to make Indian villages self-sufficient and reduce dependence on industrialized economies.
• Harijan Movement: Gandhi worked tirelessly to uplift the "Harijans" (now referred to as Dalits or Scheduled Castes), emphasizing their inclusion in society and opposing untouchability.
• Gandhi's Legacy: His principles of non-violence, equality, and focus on the marginalized continue to inspire socio-economic reforms in modern India and across the world.