As India’s G20 presidency commenced on December 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the tone of India’s G20 presidency on the great spiritual premises of Indian philosophy and called for a paradigm shift that focuses on human-centric globalisation.
“India’s G20 agenda will be inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive. Let us join together to make India’s G20 Presidency a Presidency of healing, harmony and hope. Let us work together to shape a new paradigm – of human-centric globalisation,” PM Modi said in his December 1 blog post.
Praising the outcomes of earlier 17 presidencies of the G20, the Prime Minister said that they successfully ensured macro-economic stability, rationalized international taxation and helped relieve debt-burden of countries, among others.
While talking about shaping human history, he pointed out that humanity has so far fought for limited resources marked by confrontation and competition – between ideas, ideologies and identities.
PM Modi Calls for a Shift from Zero-Sum Mindset to Universal Oneness During India’s G20 Presidency
Now as India takes the mantle, PM Modi wondered whether the G20 could catalyse a fundamental mindset shift, to benefit humanity as a whole – a shift from a zero-sum mindset, fight over territory or resources, weaponization of essential goods etc?
He questioned the contention that humans were inherently selfish and confrontation and greed are just human nature by asking why then so many spiritual traditions that advocate the fundamental oneness of us have lasted since times immemorial?
“Some may argue that confrontation and greed are just human nature. I disagree. If humans were inherently selfish, what would explain the lasting appeal of so many spiritual traditions that advocate the fundamental oneness of us all?” he asked.
He referred to one such popular Indian tradition that sees all living beings, and even inanimate things, as composed of the same five basic elements – the panch tatva of earth, water, fire, air and space. “Harmony among these elements – within us and between us – is essential for our physical, social and environmental wellbeing”.
He further added, “India’s G20 presidency will work to promote this universal sense of oneness. Hence our theme: One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
The Prime Minister lamented that despite having the means to produce enough to meet the basic needs of all people in the world, we have collectively failed to appreciate and suggested the need to shun fight for survival and look up to more peaceful and prosperous future.