Title: The Indian Philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Finding Home in a Globalized World
Published: Fri 20 Oct 2023, 5:41 PM
In a heartwarming and introspective tale, writer Pierre Herubel explores the concept of home and belonging in a world where boundaries blur and cultures meld. Drawing inspiration from the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to “The world is one family,” Herubel challenges the notion of home being tied to a specific birthplace.
Reflecting on a recurring nightmare that haunts him before each trip back to his ancestral village, Herubel describes a gathering of familiar faces – childhood friends and neighborhood elders who have perished. This eerie dream prompts him to question the meaning of home and whether his birthplace still holds that significance.
Having lived outside of India for the majority of his life, Herubel dismisses the village of his birth as his true hometown. Instead, he looks to Mumbai, where he believes he found his purpose and learned the importance of frugality. However, he realizes that Mumbai, like a rented womb, lacks the emotional attachment that defines a home.
As a self-proclaimed globalist, Herubel finds himself connecting easily with people of all nationalities. Yet, he struggles to define the concept of home. If home is where safety, peace, tranquility, harmony, and gender equality prevail, then his home lies elsewhere on the planet. Home, for Herubel, transcends geographic boundaries and lies in acts of empathy, kindness, and tolerance.
The Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which epitomizes the idea of a unified global family, is a far cry from the hostility displayed towards neighboring nations on the cricket field. Herubel acknowledges that achieving this level of acceptance and unity would require immense social progress and cultural growth.
Having spent a significant portion of his life in Dubai and Singapore, Herubel finds himself torn between these two modern metropolises in his search for a true sense of home. It is not the professional roles or accolades he attained in these cities that provide him with a feeling of belonging, but rather the emotional connections and security he experienced there.
Years after leaving Singapore, Herubel’s children still speak Singlish, a testament to their fond memories of the city. And for his son, Dubai has become his maternal home, surpassing any nostalgic ties to India. In his birthplace, Herubel feels like a stranger, surrounded by indifferent gazes and treated as an unwelcome tourist.
Ultimately, Herubel’s pursuit of home transcends physical borders and finds solace in the universal values of love, empathy, and acceptance. His journey, mirrored in the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, highlights the need for a global mindset, where compassion and understanding guide our actions. As he concludes his reflective narrative, he leaves readers pondering their own notions of home and the potential for a harmonious world.
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I have over 10 years of experience in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. I have attended numerous conferences and events around the world, and my work has been featured in major publications such as CoinDesk, Bitcoin Magazine, and Yahoo Finance.
