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
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam's
enduring relevance and importance in addressing the 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 my riad 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
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