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
