Section Article

The Concept of Universal Human Rights Advocated by Indian Intellectuals
Author(s): Dr. Savita Priya

Abstract
The concept of universal human rights has been a pivotal area of intellectual and philosophical discourse in India shaped by centuries of socio-political struggles colonial experiences and ethical reflections. Indian intellectuals ranging from social reformers to modern scholars have contributed significantly to defining interpreting and advocating human rights principles within both local and global contexts. This research explores how Indian thinkers have conceptualized universal human rights integrating indigenous philosophical traditions with modern international frameworks and how their advocacy has influenced social policies legal reforms and civil society movements. Drawing upon primary and secondary sources including historical writings philosophical treatises legislative documents and scholarly analyses the study provides a comprehensive examination of the evolution of human rights thought in India. The paper highlights key contributions by prominent intellectuals such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy B.R. Ambedkar Mahatma Gandhi and contemporary scholars emphasizing their efforts to reconcile universalist ideals with the specific socio-cultural challenges of Indian society. Methodologically the study adopts a qualitative approach analyzing textual and archival materials while also considering the socio-political impact of these ideas on legislation policy frameworks and grassroots activism. The findings indicate that Indian intellectuals have consistently promoted the universality of human rights while contextualizing them to address caste discrimination gender inequality poverty and political oppression. Moreover their advocacy has informed constitutional provisions social justice policies and civil liberties protections demonstrating a dynamic interplay between theory and practice. The study also examines the challenges faced by Indian intellectuals in advocating human rights including colonial resistance post-independence political dynamics and contemporary social conflicts illustrating the complexity of translating philosophical ideals into actionable policies. By synthesizing historical and contemporary perspectives the paper underscores the significance of Indian intellectual contributions to the global human rights discourse highlighting lessons for scholars policymakers and human rights practitioners. Ultimately this research affirms that the Indian intellectual tradition offers a nuanced understanding of universal human rights emphasizing both moral imperatives and practical strategies for promoting justice equality and human dignity in diverse societies.