Commemoration of the 3rd International Day of Human Fraternity

(1500 – 1700hrs; 6 February 2023)

Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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Excellencies, Dear Friends,

I am indeed delighted to join you today at this event dedicated to the celebration of the third International Day of Human Fraternity.

My grateful thanks to the UN Alliance of Civilizations and to the Missions of Egypt and the UAE to the UN, in taking the lead on this subject.

The annual World Interfaith Harmony Week is being presently commemorated at the UN. This is therefore an opportune moment for us, as many speakers before me have said, to reflect on the perils of the rise in intolerance, hatred, violence and terrorism that are regrettably rampant in today’s world. It is the need of the hour that we, as a comity of nations, deepen our mutual cooperation and understanding to promote human fraternity.

Excellencies,

India is an ancient land and a modern nation. We manifest a unity in diversity and support a dialogue between religions, cultures and civilizations for fostering a genuine culture of peace.

As for human fraternity, many thousands of years ago, and perhaps before any others, the ancient Indian text, The Rig Veda, had espoused this principle when it had said: “No one is superior or inferior; all are brothers (and sisters); and we should strive for the interest of all and progress collectively.”

Thus, India’s multicultural edifice has been curated with tolerance, mutual respect and understanding for different religions, cultures and people of all walks of life. Over centuries, we have given refuge to all nationalities and religions. It is this accommodation and tolerance for all pluralistic traditions that has fostered a spirit of fraternity in our country.

I will also add that the raison d’etre of the UNAOC “One Humanity, Many Cultures” is fully in sync with India’s ancient cultural ethos “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which views the world as one large inter-connected family. The Indian Prime Minister as Chair of the G-20, has also called for “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, as a practical manifestation of India’s world view of inclusive growth, in the effort to dignify all.

Excellencies,

I am sure that you will all agree with me that a spirit of human fraternity enjoins us to combat hate and violence not just against Abrahamic religions, but to combat hate and violence against all religions, including Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism, premised on the notion that International days should bring us together as one family, and are to be celebrated in an inclusive manner. They should not seek to divide us.

We must therefore ensure that inter-religious and inter-civilizational dialogues are inclusive, broad and encompass all faiths, not just a select few. We must stand united against the dark forces that speak the language of violence, exclusivism and terrorism.

I will conclude by quoting Swami Vivekanand, the great Indian Philosopher-Thinker, “As many rivers, having their source in different mountains, roll down, crooked or straight, and at last come into the ocean --- so, all these various creeds and religions, taking their start from different standpoints and running through crooked or straight courses, at last come unto Thee”.

May this timeless message continue to guide us forward.

Thank you.

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