Foreword and Preface

 

FOREWORD

In the grand tapestry of global endeavours, few projects stand as a testament to the power of collaborative vision and unwavering leadership like the one you hold. Under my stewardship, alongside the dedicated efforts of Principal Investigator Dr. Surendra Pathak, this research project has blossomed into a profound exploration of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. This concept encapsulates the very essence of our shared humanity.

First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), whose visionary leadership and kind approval made this project possible. His unwavering commitment to promoting peace and understanding on a global scale has been an inspiration to us all. I would also like to sincerely thank Mr. James P. Flynn, International President of the Global Peace Foundation, whose support and faith in me have been invaluable throughout this project. Additionally, I am grateful to Mr. Aya Goto, Senior Vice President at the Global Peace Foundation, and Mr. Ram Rohan Panta, Regional Representative of South Asia, for their continuous support and encouragement.

In the background of this Book project lies the Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific (GPLC), which convened in New Delhi on April 13, 2023. At the heart of this conference was the theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Vision for Advancing Human Consciousness and Peace." During this gathering, a collective decision was made to develop a comprehensive book focusing on the practical aspects of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the concept of one world family—and its implementable recommendations for fostering global harmony.

The essence of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, as articulated in the New Delhi Declaration of GPLC 2023 by the Global Peace Foundation, served as the guiding light for our endeavour. This declaration underscored the urgent need to translate this timeless philosophy into actionable initiatives that can bring about positive change on a global scale.

With this vision in mind, our project embarked on a journey to explore the practical dimensions of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and formulate implementable recommendations for its realisation. Through rigorous research and scholarly inquiry, we sought to uncover strategies and initiatives that could foster a more interconnected and harmonious global community.

As we delved into the complexities of this task, it became clear that the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam offer a moral compass and a pragmatic roadmap for addressing the multi-faceted challenges facing humanity today. By embracing the concept of one world family and working collaboratively towards its realisation, we can cultivate a culture of peace, understanding, and cooperation that transcends boundaries and fosters a brighter future for all.

The insights gleaned from the Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific and the collective wisdom of scholars, policymakers, and global citizens have culminated in this book. We hope that the recommendations and insights contained within these pages will catalyse positive change and inspire individuals and organisations worldwide to embrace the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in their pursuit of a more peaceful and harmonious world.

In a world marked by intricate geopolitical landscapes and multi-faceted socio-economic challenges, the principles elucidated within these pages offer not just a roadmap but a transformative vision. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and embraced by diverse cultures, serves as a clarion call to unity amidst diversity—a rallying cry for global harmony in the face of discord.

Through meticulous research and scholarly inquiry, this project has delved into the philosophical, behavioural, ethical, economic, and ecological dimensions of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, shedding light on its timeless relevance in our contemporary world. Guided by the steadfast commitment to fostering global peace and understanding, our collective efforts have yielded actionable insights and practical recommendations for policymakers, scholars, and international citizens.

As we embarked on this journey together, it became evident that this project transcended the realm of academia—it became a labour of love, a testament to our shared aspiration for a better world. Under the auspices of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India, our endeavour has enriched scholarly discourse and laid the groundwork for tangible change on a global scale.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Principal Investigator for their invaluable contributions within time and Dr Prabhas Sinha, Director of GPF India, for giving valuable inputs and guidance; his expertise and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of this project.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the honourable reviewers of this book, including Dr Priyaranjan Trivedi, President of the Confederation of Indian Universities; Prof. Vidyut Joshi, renowned Sociologist and former Vice Chancellor; Prof. Rajeev Sangal, former Director of IIT BHU, Prof. Asha Shukla, former Vice Chancellor of Dr B R Ambedkar University of Social Sciences. I am also thankful to the Advisory Committee of the Project.

As you embark on the journey through these pages, may you be inspired by the profound insights, rigorous scholarship, and unwavering dedication that have gone into the creation of this volume. May it serve as a beacon of hope in turbulent times, guiding us towards a future where unity triumphs over division and love transcends all boundaries.

 

 

(Markandey Rai)                                                                                                                                             

Project Director-Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam                                                                                   

Chairman and Managing Trustee, GPF India

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREFACE

Pursuing peace and harmony has become increasingly important in our fast-paced global environment marked by unprecedented connectivity and interdependence. The timeless wisdom embodied in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family) provides profound guidance for humanity's collective journey across diverse cultures, ideologies, and geopolitical entanglements. The theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Vision for Advancing Human Consciousness and Peace" of Global Peace Leadership Conference Indo-Pacific (GPLC-2023), which was held April 11-13, 2023, in New Delhi, India, and its New Delhi Declaration (A Movement for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, One Family Under God) inspired GPF India to work on this Publication book Project. This inspiration was reinforced by adopting the slogan "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or "One Earth, One Family, One Future" at the 18th G20 Summit on September 9-11, 2023, in New Delhi.

This book, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The Way Forward for Global Peace," highlights this philosophy's enduring relevance and importance in addressing the complex challenges of our contemporary era. With its roots firmly planted in acknowledging our interconnectedness and shared destiny, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam transcends boundaries and divisions, urging us to embrace our inherent unity and collaborate towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Chapter 1 embarks on a journey into the heart of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, unveiling its essence and fundamental principles. Chapter 2 delves deeper into its philosophical, ideological, and religious dimensions, illuminating profound notions of unity and the intricate interconnectedness of existence. It elucidates how the acceptance of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam resonates across various religious faiths, both overtly and subtly, underscoring its universal relevance.

In Chapter 3, we navigate the practical realms of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, shedding light on its application at personal, social, and global levels, influencing our conduct and interactions. The chapter unveils how its ideological aspirations manifest in human behaviour, fostering similarity and equity in relationships while endeavouring to translate the principles of unity into tangible realities of a 'one world family.'

Ethics is at the core of the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, as explored in Chapter 4, which delves into its social, political, economic, constitutional, and ethical imperatives. Efforts are made to elucidate the foundational concepts of global ethics, laying the groundwork for its broader acceptance.

Chapter 5 broadens the discourse to encompass economic, ecological, and environmental dimensions, stressing the urgency of sustainable practices and equitable resource distribution. It advocates for a world founded on circular economy principles, where prosperity is inclusive and sustainable for all.

Building upon these foundational understandings, Chapter 6 offers practical recommendations for stakeholders, presenting avenues for integrating the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam into daily lives and global endeavours. Recommendations extend to influential platforms such as the G-20, SDGs, the United Nations, and initiatives like the New Agenda for Peace and GPLC.

Finally, Chapter 7 illustrates the way forward, outlining strategies and initiatives to realise the vision of a truly interconnected and harmonious global community. It envisages a future where the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam guide collective action towards global peace, harmony and unity.

In crafting the blueprint for this book, I drew inspiration from the visionary framework elucidated in Late Shri A. Nagraj's profound study of the philosophy of coexistence, 'Madhyasth Darshan'. I owe him the most profound gratitude for providing a guiding light through his scholarly endeavours.

 

Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Markandey Rai, the Project Director and Chairman of GPF India, whose unwavering guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in bringing this publication to fruition. Mr Rai's visionary perspective, rooted in a wealth of experience from his engagements with global organisations, has been a beacon of inspiration throughout this journey.

I am immensely indebted to the eminent Professor (Dr.) Prabhas Chandra Sinha, Director of GPF India and Project Supervisor, whose vast academic acumen and profound insights have been indispensable in shaping the content of this work. His expertise has facilitated the meticulous planning of the book's content and ensured its cohesive progression towards the intended objectives.

Lastly, our hearts swell with boundless gratitude as we humbly acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the Advisory Committee of the Project, particularly Dr Ashok Pandey, whose sage guidance has been the North Star guiding us towards the shores of excellence. Also, I convey my sincere thanks to Dr. Rajnish Kumar and Dr. Utkarsh Sharma, the other two Trustees of GPF India for their constant advice and encouragement. Moreover, I extend profound appreciation to the myriad of scholars whose thousands of works I have quoted and drawn references from on this subject. Their profound insights and scholarly endeavours have woven a rich tapestry of wisdom that adorns the pages of this endeavour, imbuing it with depth, resonance, and a legacy of intellectual heritage.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the honourable reviewers of this book, including Dr Priyaranjan Trivedi, President of the Confederation of Indian Universities; Prof. Vidyut Joshi, renowned Sociologist and former Vice Chancellor; Prof. Rajeev Sangal, former Director of IIT BHU, Prof. Asha Shukla, former Vice Chancellor of Dr B R Ambedkar University of Social Sciences. I am also thankful to the Advisory Committee of the Project.

This book endeavours to kindle the flames of empathy, cooperation, and solidarity within its readers, weaving a tapestry of philosophical inquiry, ethical contemplation, and pragmatic counsel. By embracing the profound wisdom in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam philosophy and concept, we embark on a journey to nurture a culture of peace, coexistence, reverence, affection, and mutual comprehension. In doing so, we transcend the constraints of borders and divisions, paving the way for a radiant future that beckons future generations.

 

Dr Surendra Kumar Pathak

Principal Investigator

Project-Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam