Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Ki Oar 3.0 – Joint Declaration – Gitarth Ganga Ahmedabad

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Ki Oar – 3.0
Gitarth Ganga Declaration
14th & 15th December, 2024

Under the guidance of Spiritual Sovereign His Holiness Jainacharya Yugbhushansuriji, Jyot, and with the collaboration of Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), India Foundation (IF), Wadia Ghandy & Co., Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai, Institute of Law, Nirma University, the National Institute of Mass Communication & Journalism, Grand Academic Portal, Geostrata, and Gitarth Ganga, we convened in a conclave to deliberate on the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and explore pathways for the world to address challenges arising during its implementation.

Political Theme: Global Trust, Multipolarity, and the Role of Vishvabandhu Bharat

After extensive deliberations, the gathering drew wisdom from Kautilya’s Arthashastra, which emphasizes that “laabh vighna avishvaas”—the lack of trust—is the primary obstacle to any achievement. It was resolved that trust is fundamental to achieving a free, fair, just, stable, and secure world order. Examining the trajectory of global trust over the past century, it was acknowledged that the unipolar world structure lost the trust of the Global South, resulting in the rise of multipolarity and an escalating global trust deficit.

तस्माद् विश्वासयेद् राजा सर्वभूतान्यमायया सर्वतः परिरक्षेच्च यो महीं भोक्तुमिच्छति ||

This verse underscores two essential elements for a ruler aspiring to lead globally: trust and the capability to provide security to all.

Recognizing the importance of trust in geopolitics and drawing wisdom from scriptures, it is acknowledged that:

• Bharat, leveraging its immense goodwill, must play a pivotal role in restoring global trust.
• Efforts must be made to combine ancient scriptural wisdom with a nuanced understanding of contemporary political trajectories to catalyze Bharat’s emergence as Vishwabandhu (the universal well-wisher), an integral part of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

We collectively agree to supporting this mission with the resources and means at our disposal to create a harmonious and secure world order.

This declaration embodies our shared vision for a just and interconnected world, guided by the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

____________________ __________________     _________________

    Wadia Ghandy & Co.         Vivekananda International              India Foundation

        Foundation

 

_____________________ ______________________

    Jyot Gitarth Ganga

 

Legal Theme: Sovereignty, Basic Structure Doctrine, and Secularism

It is acknowledged that:

The ideal governance philosophy rejects the rigid Westphalian Nation-State model of absolute internal authority and confinement of external authority. Such frameworks breeds unaccountability, unanswerability, and immorality at both national and international levels. Therefore, for the effective governance of nations and the global order, sovereignty should be restrained both internally and externally, anchored in morality, and expanded only on the principles of morality and on account of security.

The concept of internal absolute sovereignty is already self-limited in many nations through codified constitutions. In countries where explicit limitations are absent, mechanisms like India’s Basic Structure Doctrine—which safeguards the constitution’s unamendable core principles—are serving as guiding examples.

Ancient Indian wisdom, particularly the hierarchical values embedded in traditional governance philosophies, should be explored to shape frameworks for modern governance. These values are:

 

• Sabhyata 
• Nyay 
• Niti 
• Sadachar
• Sadgun 
• Maryada
• Sanskruti 
• Dharma 
• Adhyatma 

This declaration further acknowledges that secularism, as an integral part of the Basic Structure Doctrine, should be understood on the basis of two millennia of history involving the interplay between temporal and spiritual powers, along with the ancient wisdom from both Eastern and Western traditions on the separation of powers between State and religion.

In this context, secularism should be possibly defined to support the separation and mutual non-interference of temporal and spiritual domains. A truly secular state does not interfere in the religion, culture, or traditions of its citizens but ensures their equal and facilitating treatment, fostering an environment where all can freely prosper in the interest of humanity.

 

We converge on the ideas that:

• Promote international jurisprudence rooted in the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, prioritizing trust, morality, and justice.

• Leverage ancient wisdom to address modern challenges in both national governance and global relations.

• Support initiatives fostering global harmony, equity, and inclusivity.

This declaration embodies our shared vision for a just and interconnected world, guided by the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

 

____________________ __________________     _________________

    Wadia Ghandy & Co.         Vivekananda International              India Foundation

        Foundation

 

_____________________ ______________________

    Jyot Gitarth Ganga