Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - The great Indian Philosophy.

  VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM

    The philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has come a long way since it was first mentioned in the Maha Upanishad. This is now celebrated all over the world and is seen as a way to help heal any fractures that may exist. If more people embrace this philosophy, we can come together as one global family.

    As we enter the celebrations of our nation's 75th anniversary, I'd like to draw attention to one of India's fundamental beliefs, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the idea that the world is a family), as part of its history.

    The Vedantic concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a lofty one from the Maha Upanishad, an ancient Indian text. Gandhi's Ahimsa (non-violence) both as a belief and a strategy is seen as an extension of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It imagines humanity as a single family. Nothing validates this timeless thought than today's interconnected world with instant satellite communication, fast air travel, the internet, and students from all over the world going to study under great teachers abroad. The concept of one world, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam unifies our shared humanity, common developmental goals, and common quest for a rule-based global order and international peace. It indicates that we achieve or perish together as a family. India's political leaders decided to inscribe Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam at the entrance hall of Parliament in light of these noble concepts.

    Since 1964, over 200,000 professionals from 161 partner countries have benefited from the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Program (ITEC). Approximately 3940 students are chosen each year through 140 different nations across the globe by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. The adoption of the resolution for the International Yoga Day by the UNGA, with support from a near-unanimous majority of 177 nations, is an example of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

    For this philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, global education plays a key role by enabling young minds across the globe to learn in a multi-cultural environment. This not only helps them understand different cultures but to respect them and to find opportunities within. As India marks Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam may be more relevant for countries and people all across the world.