G20 AND ADVAITA VEDANTA
India's presidency of the G20 this year comes at a critical moment in history, as the world faces unprecedented challenges and uncertainties. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the interdependence of nations and the need for global cooperation and solidarity. In this context, India's choice of the theme for the G20 Presidency, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (One Earth, One Family, One Future), is both timely and significant.
This theme echoes the principles of Vedanta, India's ancient philosophy, which emphasises the oneness of all existence. Vedanta teaches that the ultimate reality is Brahman, the infinite and eternal consciousness that pervades all things. This means that everything in the universe, including all living beings, is interconnected and interdependent. In other words, we are all one family, sharing a common destiny.
The G20, as a forum of the world's major economies, has a crucial role to play in promoting this vision of oneness and interdependence. The challenges we face today, such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and conflict, are global in nature and require collective action and cooperation. The G20, therefore, has a responsibility to work towards a more equitable and sustainable world, where the well-being of all is prioritised.
The principles of Vedanta can provide a useful framework for achieving this goal. Vedanta teaches that we should treat others with respect and compassion and that we should strive to promote the common good. This means that we need to move beyond narrow self-interest and work towards the greater good of humanity and the planet.
India's G20 Presidency, with its theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, is a powerful reminder of these principles. It is a call to action for all nations to work together towards a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. By embracing the values of Vedanta, we can build a world where everyone can thrive and flourish, and where the oneness of all existence is celebrated and cherished.
The G20 Presidency offers a unique opportunity for the world to come together and work towards a more just and sustainable future. The principles of Vedanta provide a valuable framework for achieving this goal, by promoting the values of oneness, compassion, and cooperation. Let us embrace these principles and work towards a world where everyone can live in peace and harmony, as one global family.
