30, October 2025

Integral Humanism: Bridging Poverty Alleviation and Environmental Sustainability

VOLUME-8; ISSUE-10; OCT-2025

Author(s): Prof.B.Dharmalingam

Authors Affiliations:

Chair Professor, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Chair, Alagappa University, Tamil Nadu, India.

DOIs:10.2018/SS/202510005     |     Paper ID: SS202510005


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This study investigates the applicability of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Integral Humanism in tackling the intertwined issues of poverty and environmental degradation, collectively referred to as the poverty–environment nexus. Developed in the mid-twentieth century, Integral Humanism is a philosophical and socio-economic framework that emphasizes holistic human development, ethical responsibility, cultural rootedness, and ecological sustainability. It conceptualizes human beings as multi-dimensional, encompassing material, social, cultural, and spiritual needs, and advocates for development that promotes dignity, moral integrity, and collective well-being alongside economic advancement. The philosophy encourages decentralization, self-reliance, and participatory governance, enabling local communities to manage resources sustainably. Central to its vision is the welfare of marginalized populations, ensuring that both development and environmental policies are inclusive. By integrating ethical limits on resource use, cultural values, and multi-dimensional sustainability, Integral Humanism offers both normative guidance and practical strategies to align human welfare with environmental stewardship. The study examines policy examples such as joint forest management, agroforestry, water conservation initiatives, renewable energy programs, and poverty alleviation schemes with environmental components to demonstrate its practical application. In the context of contemporary challenges—including climate change, globalization, inequality, and public health crises—Integral Humanism provides a coherent, actionable, and value-driven framework for inclusive and sustainable development, underscoring its enduring significance in addressing 21st-century socio-ecological issues.

Integral Humanism, Poverty, Environmental Sustainability, Pandit Deendayal.

Prof.B.Dharmalingam (2025); Integral Humanism: Bridging Poverty Alleviation and Environmental Sustainability, Shikshan Sanshodhan : Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences,      ISSN(o): 2581-6241,  Volume – 8,   Issue –  10,  Pp. 28-34.        Available on –   https://shikshansanshodhan.researchculturesociety.org/

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