वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् The world is a family
Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam is a philosophy that inculcates the understanding that the whole world is one family. It is a social philosophy emanating from the spiritual understanding that the whole of humanity is made of one life energy.
The origin of the phrase, is in the Maha Upanishad (Chapter 6, Verse 72)
अयं बन्धुरयं नेति गणना लघुचेतसां।
उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकं ।।
Only small men discriminate saying: One is a relative; the other is a stranger.
For those who live magnanimously the entire world constitutes but a family.
The full context
उदारः पेशलाचारः सर्वाचारानुवृत्तिमान
अन्तःसङ्ग-परित्यागी बहिः संभारवानिव
अन्तर्वैराग्यमादाय बहिराशोन्मुखेहितः
अयं बन्धुरयं नेति गणना लघुचेतसां
उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकं
भावाभाव विनिर्मुक्तं जरामरणवर्जितं
प्रशान्त कलनारभ्यं नीरागं पदमाश्रय
एषा ब्राम्ही स्थितिः स्वच्छा निष्कामा विगतामया
आदाय विहरन्नेवं संकटेषु न मुह्यति
(महोपनिषद ६.७०-७३)(That elevated one in Brahmi Sthiti) is generous, always clean in behaviour, in accordance to the established norms of conduct, and free from all attachments in life. From inside, he has renounced everything, even though outwardly he would appear to carry out worldly duties (like any other mortal. However, unlike) the small hearts of (ordinary) people (who discriminate by) saying ‘This one is a friend and that one a stranger’ these (great men) are of magnanimous hearts and embrace the entire world as their own family. They have gained liberation from all constraints of ordinary life, like old age and death; their fires have become extinguished; and in them no attachment finds any shelter (anymore). Such (Listen O best amongst the Brahmanas are those who have achieved) the status of Brahmi Sthiti, the absolutely pure; that which is beyond all cravings and sufferings. Equipped with such attributes they freely roam (the earth), without knowing any calamity.
The concept of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam originates from Hitopdesha. Hitopdesha is a collection of Sanskrit Fables in prose and verse.
Oneness in diversity is exhibited in the nature with the appearance of rainbow, which is an aggregation of diverse synchronous colors in the ethereal sky. when colors are separate they disperse and are not visible. By the magical prismatic effect of sun and rain clouds, the concerted reflection forms sublime rainbow signifying harmony and equanimity.
Same way, the culuture of India (Bharat), is a beautiful amalgamation of diverse languages, diverse traditions and diverse existence.
Respecting and celebrating cultures is the beauty of diversity. This is what respecting the humanity and being human.
Diversity of culture and tradition is India's pride.
