VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM KI OAR 2.0 CONCLAVE REPORT

The world is experiencing great turbulence. Two major wars are raging in the world. Geopolitical rivalries are deepening. Multilateralism has become ineffective in resolving the great problems of today. The pandemic has slowed down the pace of globalisation. The West-led global order is under great stress. The liberal values of democracy, human rights, free markets, liberty, rule of law etc have been misutilised and created many of the problems of today. The world has become highly iniquitous and the planetary resources have been over exploited. A multipolar world is taking shape but there is no guarantee that the new world will be peaceful and stable. The world is at an inflection point. We need new thinking for a new world. The ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, provides a ray of hope for conceptualising a new world which is just, stable, peaceful, equal and prosperous.
In Indian foreign policy, the concept of a civilisational state is becoming more prominent. During its presidency of the G20, India set its overarching theme as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One world, One Planet, One Future. It signifies oneness and unity at the global and planetary levels. The sense of common destiny should inform the new world order based on the values of peace, equality, sustainable development, cooperation, respect for biodiversity, tolerance, stability, accommodation and harmony.
What does the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam mean in practice? How does it help in dealing with the contemporary problems of the world? To deliberate over the deeper meaning and the practical utility of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, H. H. Spiritual Sovereign Jainacharya Yugbhushan Suriji Maharaja organised two conclaves in Mumbai and Vadodra in 2022 and 2023. He put forth his vision for the world: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Ki Oar. Leading scholars of international relations, eminent thinkers, and spiritual leaders got together for an in-depth exchange of view on the present state of the world and how to make a new just world order.
The Jainacharya’s vision is a unique attempt to spell out the framework of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. To be successful and acceptable, the world based on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam values must not compromise with the political sovereignty and strategic autonomy of a country. It should provide guarantees of security, basic necessities, health and education, growth and development, equal access to common resources, the growth of the individual within the framework of family bonds and feelings. The ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam can help in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. At the same time, the Jainacharya says categorically that Bharat will have to build its comprehensive strengths to protect its political and territorial sovereignty and retain its strategic autonomy to deal with the negative tendencies in the world even as it promotes the values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
At a time of turbulence, the wisdom coming from spiritual leaders provides the calming influence and a hope for the future. The Jainacharya’s vision for the new world order is comprehensive, strategic and practical. The present book contains the key themes of his vision. I am grateful to Jainacharya Yugbhushan Suri ji Maharaj for taking the lead in organising these discussions on how India can contribute to the shaping of a new world order will continue in future also. I am confident that scholars and laypersons alike will benefit from the thoughts of H. H. Spiritual Sovereign Jainacharya Yugbhushan Suriji Maharaja.
Om Shanti.

Arvind Gupta Director,
Vivekananda International Foundation,
New Delhi