The correct answer is option 4, Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, believed that the soul of India resides in its villages. He emphasized the importance of rural development and the upliftment of the rural population. Gandhi believed that the true essence of India`s culture, traditions, and values could be found in the rural areas. He advocated for self-sufficiency and a decentralized economy that would empower the villages. Gandhi promoted the idea of Gram Swaraj or village self-governance, where the villagers would have the autonomy to manage their own affairs. His vision was to create a society that was rooted in the principles of simplicity, sustainability, and harmony with nature. Gandhi`s philosophy of village-centric development continues to be influential in shaping India`s policies and programs for rural development.