WORLD BROTHERHOOD IS INHERENT IN INDIAN CULTURE: PROF. MEHTAB ALAM RIZVI

WORLD BROTHERHOOD IS INHERENT IN INDIAN CULTURE: PROF. MEHTAB ALAM RIZVI

11-FEB-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI----------------------------India's fundamental philosophy is based on "world brotherhood" and "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." World brotherhood is inherent in Indian culture. We view the entire world as brothers and sisters and behave with the same spirit. These views were expressed by Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Mehtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar of Jamia Millia Islamia and renowned academician, while addressing the closing ceremony of the two-day Sixth Himalayan-Indian Ocean Group of Nations (HHRS) International Conference 2026, held at the Convention Center of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

Presiding over the closing session, Prof. Mehtab Alam Rizvi said that if societies learn to live in harmony, respect, and cooperation, conflict and violence can automatically end. Citing the example of family relationships, he said that just as it is a brother's duty to respect and protect his sister, and a sister's duty to wish well for her brother, similarly, mutual relationships and human compassion can lay a strong foundation for global peace.

He emphasized that India has always prioritized balance, harmony, and cooperation over displays of power. Today, when the world is facing numerous global tensions and conflicts, India offers an alternative and moral path based on peace, stability, and equality.

Prof. Mehtab Alam Rizvi clarified that complete global peace is possible only when nations embrace coexistence rather than competition and develop a sense of respect for each other.

In his address, Prof. Rizvi also raised an important question—are we ready to reconnect with our true soft power, our diplomacy, language, culture, and civilizational understanding? He stated that this is not just a choice, but a historic decision of our time. Respect and image in the global system are not built solely on military or economic power, but on values, ethics, and cultural self-confidence. Constantly imitating others always runs the risk of losing our unique identity.

This international conference was organized by the Himalayan-Indian Ocean Nations Group (HHRS) and the Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch (RSJM), in collaboration with the Center of Russian Studies (CRS), the School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies (SLL&CS), the Inter-Hall Administration (IHA), JNU, the Nelson Mandela Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution (Jamia Millia Islamia), and the Center for Himalayan Studies (Delhi University). The central theme of the conference was: “India's Geopolitical and Strategic Importance in the Indian Ocean Region.” India's Growing Global Role under the Leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Senior journalist Awadhesh Kumar, who was present as the special speaker at the closing ceremony, captivated the audience with his powerful and thought-provoking address. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is rapidly becoming stronger, and today the world takes India into serious consideration when making global decisions. Highlighting the strategic and economic importance of the Indian Ocean region, he explained that this region spans approximately 68 million square kilometers and is the lifeline of global maritime trade. Approximately 80 percent of the world's maritime trade passes through this region.

Awadhesh Kumar said that in ancient times, India's maritime trade extended to East Africa, Arab countries, and Southeast Asia, fostering cultural dialogue and deep ties between civilizations.

He also said that while colonial powers competed for control of resources and trade routes, after independence, India has continuously strengthened regional balance and cooperation by strengthening its maritime capabilities.

JNU Dean Professor Manuradha Chaudhary said that India's vision has always been inclusive and based on humanitarian values. Indian traders, sailors, and scholars were not limited to trade alone; they also spread language, culture, yoga, philosophy, and values ​​of life.

Professor B. of Delhi University W. Pandey said that the true strength of any civilization lies in its ability to communicate. Indian culture has always prioritized dialogue over conflict, which is the basis of its global acceptance.

Special Guest Professor V. Ravichandran, Vice Chancellor, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, said that the Indian Ocean is not just a geographical entity, but a symbol of strategic centrality, providing India with diplomatic and strategic advantages.

Professor Dhruba Kumar, Vice Chancellor of the Mid-East University, Nepal, said that India's true strength lies in its culture, philosophy, and spiritual consciousness. India should be understood not just as a nation-state, but as a living civilization.

The conference featured several academic and parallel sessions, attended by over 100 researchers and scholars. Topics such as "India and the Indian Ocean Region: Challenges and Solutions" and "Emerging Trends and Prospects" were discussed in depth.

The program concluded with a brainstorming session: The Way Forward, chaired by Prof. (Dr.) M. Mehtab Alam Rizvi.

This two-day international conference will focus on the rich cultural heritage, peace, It emerged as a powerful symbol of dialogue and academic collaboration. Students and scholars from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi University, and the National Security Awareness Forum team actively participated in this grand event with enthusiasm and energy.