Social work and social services in rural India have always been integral to the nation’s process of social development, welfare, and equity. Rooted in the ethos of collective well-being, rural social service reflects both professional interventions and voluntary community efforts aimed at transforming the socio-economic and cultural realities of India’s villages. This paper explores the conceptual foundations, historical evolution, and current practices of social work in rural India, analysing the roles of governmental and non-governmental organisations, Panchayati Raj institutions, and local community workers. It also evaluates key challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, gender inequality, and lack of access to basic amenities, while emphasising how social work initiatives can promote sustainable rural development. The study combines insights from secondary data, policy documents, and academic literature to understand the multidimensional aspects of rural welfare.