India’s G20 presidency: Blooming lotus of Hope & Harmony in polarising times

India’s G20 presidency, which starts officially from December 1, 2022, symbolically took off in New Delhi, with the launch of the official logo symbolising “Hope, Harmony and Healing” in times of turbulence and conflict.

In a word polarised by divisive conflicts and competitive power games, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the logo comprising a blooming lotus and its seven petals with the earth as a backdrop and framed by the master theme of “One Earth, One Family and One Future,” as crystallized in the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad as “Vasudahaiva Kutumbakam.” The theme affirms the value of all life – human, animal, plant, and microorganisms – and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe.

Setting a lofty tone for India’s presidency of the grouping of the world’s twenty most advanced and emerging economies, PM Modi said: “The World is going through the after-effects of a disruptive once-in-a-century pandemic, conflicts and lot of economic uncertainty. The symbol of the lotus in G20 Logo is representation of hope in these times.”

The lotus, India’s national flower laden with mythopoeic symbolism, represents Indian culture, spirituality, fruitfulness, wealth and purity of heart and mind. “Seven petals on Lotus represent seven continents of the globe and also seven notes of music. G20 will bring the world together in harmony. In this logo, Lotus flower is depicting the mythological heritage of India, our faith, our intelligence,” PM Modi said during the logo’s launch.

Encapsulating the rich symbolism of the logo, PM Modi underlined that “it’s not just a logo, but a symbol of hope and a strong feeling that runs in our veins about the unity of all humanity.” This is a resolution, which has been included in our thinking, he said. “No matter how adverse the circumstances in the world, the lotus will bloom,” PM Modi said in a soaring address marking the launch of the official logo.

“I congratulate countrymen on the historic occasion of India’s G20 Presidency. ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’ is a signature of India’s compassion to world. Lotus portrays cultural heritage and faith of India in bringing world together,” he said. “It’s a matter of pride for all Indians. It will bring glory to India and all Indians,” said PM Modi.

“The logo and the theme together convey a powerful message of India’s G20 Presidency, which is of striving for just and equitable growth for all in the world, as we navigate through these turbulent times, in a sustainable, holistic, responsible, and inclusive manner. They represent a uniquely Indian approach to our G20 Presidency, of living in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem,” said India’s Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

For India, the G20 Presidency also marks the beginning of “Amritkaal”, the 25-year period beginning from the 75th anniversary of its independence on 15 August 2022, leading up to the centenary of its independence, towards a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive and developed society, distinguished by a human-centric approach at its core, said the ministry.

India will take over presidency of the G20 on December 1, 2022 and will host the summit on September 9-10, the first time the country will lead the world’s most influential grouping, post the 2008 global financial meltdown.

The website of India’s G20 Presidency www.g20.in was also launched by PM Modi. The website will seamlessly migrate to the G20 Presidency website www.g20.org on 1 December 2022, the day India takes over the G20 Presidency.

The Russia-Ukraine war, with its knockdown effects on global economic growth, food and energy prices, is expected to cast its long shadow during India’s G20 presidency – it will require New Delhi to hone its diplomatic skills to play the role of a bridge-builder in a world fractured by competing egos and ambitions. PM Modi will travel to Bali to participate in the G20 summit in the Indonesian resort island of Bali on November 15-16, where he is expected to seek the support of world leaders for India’s G20 presidency.

Author Profile

Manish Chand: Manish Chand is Founder-CEO and Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) and India and World, a pioneering magazine focused on international affairs. He is CEO/Director of TGII Media Private Limited, an India-based media, publishing, research and consultancy company.