The Indian Embassy in Madagascar organised a special unveiling ceremony titled “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” this week.
It was done to mark the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on the occasion of 75 years of India’s Independence.
Dignitaries in local government, diplomatic corps, heads of international organisations and members of the Indian diaspora in Madagascar attended the event.
The plaque was unveiled through the lightning of a lamp by the chief guest, minister of communication and culture of Madagascar, Andriantogarivo Rakotondrazafy Lalatiana and ambassador of India to Madagascar, Abhay Kumar.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian ambassador Kumar said “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam speaks of one of the core philosophies of the Indic civilization. The concept lies in Maha Upanishad. By Vasudha, we mean the earth. Aiva means emphasis and Kutumbakam stands for a family. In totality, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ means ‘the whole earth is one family.’”
Minister of Communication and Culture of Lalatiana said, “There is a fundamental need which emphasises the need to speak of unity. Indian text speaks about ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which means the world is one.”
The minister also quoted the speech of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi given at the plenary session of the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 23, 2018.
“The search for peace in the universe is the most fundamental need. This is the reason that our sacred prayers always end with a prayer for peace,” he said.