Experts deliberate on India’s G-20 Presidency leveraging foreign policy prowess, gender mainstreaming, equitable development and civilisational heritage
Dehradun, May 4: Celebrating G-20 Presidency of India, experts from across the country representing diverse fields converged at Doon University today highlighting uniqueness of India’s foreign policy and country’s capacity to leverage its position in the given geo-political world order while holding multiple relations even with countries at conflict with each other, mainstreaming gender considerations at G-20 discussions, and showcasing to the world nations the Indian civilisational heritage of combining spiritual knowledge and its practical application with scientific approach.
Ambassador Preeti Sharan, Former Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs explained how the G-20 as a mega national event is a unique opportunity for India at a critical historical juncture which also brings profound responsibility to provide leadership to the group of powerful countries of the world. At the same time, we have an opportunity to showcase our unique cultural and spiritual heritage, diversity of all sorts and development potential of an emergent India.
Apart from hosting G-20, India is a member of and has hosted several economic, regional and other strategic multilateral forums which is reflective of our emerging position among world nations. “At the same time the country is committed to peaceful peripheries and neighbourhoods,” she said.
“Gender considerations are also being mainstreamed not only nationally but also at G-20 discussions,” Ambassador Saran said while stressing that the country is gradually witnessing women’s empowerment in diverse fields with inclusive development and a number of schemes initiated by the central and state governments. Uttarakhand is known for women leading several social, political and environmental movements including Chipko, she said.
Presiding over the session, Doon University Vice-Chancellor Professor Surekha Dangwal emphasised that Indian thinking is rooted in ancient Indian civilization which is also reflected in the theme of G-20 – ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. She said that this philosophy about the world considered as one family and one future is closely associated with India’s vision and mission of leading G-20 mission into a world of prosperity, peace and harmony for all.
“Being an Indian essentially means thinking about the welfare of the entire society which is not divided into developed, developing and backward countries. “While staying rooted in our civilisational ethos, at the same time we have to imbibe the positive traits of science, technology and modernity,” Professor Dangwal said.
Former ONGC Chairman Dr Alka Mittal highlighted the technological advances made by India and how it has led to positive social transformations. “Changes have been evident in the leadership of women over the last 10 years whereas the number of women leaders in diverse fields is increasing rapidly. “An educated woman educates society and nation.”
World renowned cardiologist and an expert on science and spirituality, Dr. Mohit Gupta delivered a series of powerful messages to a captivated audience in pin drop silence. Triggering sparks in young hearts and minds, he highlighted the importance of recognising the inherent self-strength and inculcating a deep sense of confidence and personal power which he said is inherent in the soul of Indian cultural and civilisational heritage. “Miracles do happen but not overnight; these happen through a process,” he emphasised while explaining the linkages between spiritual knowledge and its application with scientific approach.
“If in conflict with people, the only secret to a healthy life is to apologize and forgive people. In this technology-driven era we have built many houses within one house where people are confined to their rooms only and communicating through electronic gadgets,” he said, stressing that this lifestyle has to change. Dr Gupta also emphasised on the need to connect Indian knowledge tradition with science.
Speaking on the origin, context and significance of the emergence of G-20 multilateral forum and India’s Presidency, RIS advisor Dr. Anshuman Gupta explained the relevance of ‘University Connect Programme: Engaging Young Minds.’ He highlighted how India is expected to leverage its leadership position to create a better cooperation between global south and advanced nations towards equitable development, meeting the challenges of Climate Change and other emerging global challenges.
Program Coordinator and Dean of School of Social Sciences Professor RP Mamgai said that the University Connect programme is unique and students are not only getting exposed to global issues, challenges and opportunities but they are actively participating in a series of related activities such as debates, quizzes, seminars and other competitions. He said that Doon University is committed to host such crucial meetings of national importance from time to time.
The stage was managed by Dr. Vipin Kumar and Anahitha Singhal and Yukta Manral. Those present on the occasion included Doon University Registrar Dr. MS Manderwal, Dr Niyati Singh, Professor H C Purohit, Professor Harsh Dobhal, Professor Kusum Arunachalam, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Dr Nitin Kumar, Dr Rashi Mishra, Dr. Reena Singh, Dr. Savita Tiwari, Dr. Madhu Bisht, Dr. Arun Kumar, Dr. Preeti Mishra, Dr. Rajesh Bhatt, Dr. Sudhanshu Joshi, Dr. Narendra Rawal, Dr. Reena Singh, Dr. Smita, Dr. Achalesh, Dr. Sunit Naithani, Dr Rakesh Bhatt, Dr Naresh Mishra, Mr Utkarsh Kumar and research scholars and students of Doon University.
Doon University has been organising a series of programmes of national and international importance as part of G-20’s ‘University Connect: Engaging Young Minds’ programme as the university is among 75 institutions across the country chosen to host such activities.
