“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” The World Is One Family TEHRAN (Iran News) Of course, this concept goes far beyond a simple translation, because the origin and meaning of this expression are taken from ancient Hindu texts such as the Maha Upanishad. In the original verse it is expressed as follows: “That which is mine and that which belongs […]
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” The World Is One Family
TEHRAN (Iran News) Of course, this concept goes far beyond a simple translation, because the origin and meaning of this expression are taken from ancient Hindu texts such as the Maha Upanishad. In the original verse it is expressed as follows:
“That which is mine and that which belongs to another—such divisions are made by narrow-minded people. For the magnanimous, the entire world is one family.”
This is similar to what we Iranians know from the universal literature of Saadi: Human beings are members of a whole, In creation of one essence and soul.
The phrase is composed of three Sanskrit parts:
Vasudha — meaning “the earth” or “the world”
Eva — meaning “indeed” or “certainly”
Kutumbakam — meaning “family”
This slogan represents the core of the philosophy of “unity in diversity” and emphasizes that all of humanity, regardless of nationality, race, or religion, is interconnected and related.
It promotes global brotherhood, cooperation, and shared responsibility for the well-being of planet Earth.
In its contemporary application, this phrase was chosen as the slogan of India’s presidency of the G20 in 2023, under the title “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” emphasizing the need for global cooperation to address challenges such as climate change and sustainable development.
The national symbolism of this verse— from which the phrase is derived— has also been engraved in the entrance hall of the Indian Parliament, indicating its importance as a moral and social message.
Therefore, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is not merely a literary translation, but a powerful philosophical vision that promotes unity, peace, and collective responsibility. Naturally, this slogan stands in opposition to unilateralism, colonialism, and Western exploitation, and by emphasizing a familial view of the world, it promotes the theory of multilateralism to which Asia today adheres.
- author : Hamid Reza Naghashian
- source : IRAN NEWS
