Opinion: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — Why Making It People’s G20 Is Key To India's G20 Presidency

In post-Covid era, when nations are dealing with economic recovery from the pandemic & climate change issues, India’s G20 presidency sets its agenda targeting some of the issues centering around them.

File photo of PM Narendra Modi attending a working session on food and energy security at the G20 Summit, in Bali, Indonesia, on November 15, 2022.

Source : PTI

After months of grappling with a life-threatening pandemic, isolation and economic uncertainties, the world is settling down towards normalcy once again. As we gear up to welcome a new year and a festive December awaits us, India ushers in a positive wave for the country by assuming the Presidency of the G20 from Indonesia. The first G20 Sherpa meet just concluded in Udaipur to shape the agenda for India’s G20 presidency.

It is of significance to mention that the G20 members comprise 85 per cent of the global GDP and 75 per cent of global trade, pointing out to the importance of the forum in today’s time of economic insecurities. With India assuming its presidency and upholding the vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth One Family One Future’, it's time for the country to display its potential to be the global leader and put forward its agenda on the issues of international importance and cooperation. India’s presidency is also important as it beacons a ray of hope for the developing world owing to the fact that in the past only the developed nations of the forum have decided the future of the developing world. The key element of India’s G20 presidency is to take it closer to the public through Jan Bhagidari and making it a ‘People’s G20’.

The G20 maxim of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ literally means the whole world is one single family, and further refers to India’s advocacy of ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’, which finds its mention from the Maha Upanishad and is also engraved at the entry of the Central Hall of India's Parliament. The 5,000 years old Indian civilization is quintessential of the ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ philosophy, India being the home to all the four major religions of the world, a melting pot of various beliefs, ideologies, ethnicities, cultures, food habits, dress sense, and values.

Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu rightly said once that “our ancient society built on Sanatana Dharma accommodated people from all faiths, and in fact, the majority community through centuries has been an insular force in preventing religious conflicts between other groups”. He also opined that it is a living example of our ancient belief of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ in all its rich diversity. India despite its diversities has successfully sustained its democracy over the years. India as a country has been a composite whole and never even contemplated for a division. In fact, with the recent abrogation of Article 370, it has further strengthened the concept of India as one. ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ thus strengthens India’s another age-old principle of unity in diversity.

India’s philosophy of the world being one family has one of the integral philosophies of Indian civilization since ancient times, and India’s practice of peaceful co-existence was derived from the want of peace on Earth, not to forget that one of earth’s greatest apostle of peace, incarnate of Lord on Earth – Gautam Buddha found his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. Analyst of this maxim also believes that one of the World’s greatest leaders, Mahatma Gandhi’s practices of respect towards all living beings are same thus uplifting the status of Harijans are an extension of Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

In striving for a ‘One Earth One Family and One Future’, India further strengthens its another philosophy that is widely practised even now in the country, consciously or sub-consciously, and that is “Atithi Devo Bhava”. God resides in every sentient being and thus every guest should be treated like God. Indian philosophy pervades every aspect of our lifestyle and thus, the concept of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ was upheld to keep such traditions alive for centuries to come. The greatest example of such values is embedded in Hindu scriptures, one such being the story of Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama. This story leaves us with a morale that whether rich or poor, good or bad, respect all human beings, treat your guests like God.

'Pushing For Collective Action'

The G20 Sherpa meet in Udaipur demonstrated the Indian practice of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, displaying for its delegates the warmth of Indian people, hospitable nature and the ease of travelling around the country. The Indian values and philosophy would further strengthen India’s soft power strategies in dispensing global influence.

In the post-Covid era of global economic insecurities, when nations are dealing with economic recovery from the pandemic and issues of climate change, India’s presidency sets its agenda targeting some of the issues centering around them. To quote External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, “India will take the lead in pushing for collective action” on sustainable development, climate change and climate justice, often side-tracked due to more dominant issues.

There will be 200 more meetings spread over 55 cities in the coming year. This year’s presidency is not only important for India to showcase its potential for global influence but also due to the fact that it has come at a time when the world is going through geopolitical tensions, rising energy and food prices, economic slowdown, and India gets an opportunity to come up with solutions. Highlighting India’s theme for the G20 Summit, India’s Sherpa Amitabh Kant said: “We may have different political views, we may have different economic models, but ultimately, we are part of one universe. It’s necessary to break geographic boundaries to bring peace and harmony in the world.”

India has invited countries like Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE as guest nations, which is certainly going to benefit India to emerge as a global leader with its long standing belief in peace, unity, oneness and inclusivity.

The author is Secretary, Tourism, Government of Assam.

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