G20 to show our ‘Guest is God’ culture: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says India’s G20 Presidency is a new responsibility and a measure of the world’s trust in India.

TT Bureau

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the logo, theme and website of India’s G20 Presidency through a video conference recently. “From 1 December 2022, India will preside over the G20 Summit, which is a historic opportunity for the country.  G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation representing around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the worldwide trade, and about two-thirds of the world population,” he said.

Applauding India’s efforts in the field of sustainable development, he said, “We must make sustainable development a part of individual life rather than just a system of governments. The environment is a global cause for us as well as personal responsibility.” He also highlighted the contribution of Ayurveda and noted global enthusiasm for Yoga and coarse grains.

He also pointed out that G20 is not only an event of the central government and requested the state governments, as well as all the political parties, to actively take part in this endeavour. “The event is organised by Indians and the G20 is a great opportunity for us to showcase a glimpse of our tradition of ‘Guest is God’. The events related to G20 will not be limited to Delhi or a few places, but programmes will be held in every corner of the country. Each of our states has its own characteristics, heritage, culture, beauty, aura and hospitality,” he shared. He also gave examples of the hospitality of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh,
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and remarked that it is this hospitality and diversity that amazes the world. He informed that he will be heading to Indonesia next week for the formal announcement of India’s G20 Presidency.The G20 logo juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, India’s national flower that reflects growth amid challenges. The Earth reflects India’s pro-planet approach to life, one in perfect harmony with nature. Below the G20 logo is “Bharat” written in the Devanagari script. The logo draws inspiration from the vibrant colours of India’s national flag. The theme of India’s G20 Presidency “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future” is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. The theme affirms the value of all life – human, animal, plant, and microorganisms – and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth.