New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to G20 leaders and delegates as they arrived at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, for the G20 Summit. As each leader made their entrance, PM Modi greeted them, and in the background, a striking display of the Konark Wheel from Odisha captivated all in attendance.
The Konark Wheel, a masterpiece dating back to the 13th century during the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I, features 24 spokes and has become an integral part of India's national flag. It embodies India's rich ancient wisdom, advanced civilization, and architectural brilliance. The rotating motion of the Konark Wheel symbolizes not only time and Kalachakra but also signifies progress and the ever-constant change in our world. It serves as a potent symbol of the democratic wheel, reflecting the enduring strength of democratic ideals and a commitment to societal progress.
Among the early arrivals at the Bharat Mandapam venue were prominent figures like Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Chief of the World Health Organization; Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF); Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General; and Ajay Banga, the President of the World Bank.
India, despite divisions within the G20 regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, is hosting the G20 Summit, which is scheduled for today and tomorrow.
Distinguished world leaders such as US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in the national capital yesterday to partake in this significant event. The summit boasts a robust attendance, with over 30 heads of state, top officials from the European Union, invited guest countries, and 14 heads of international organizations participating.
The first session of the G20 Summit, titled 'One Earth,' is set to commence around 10:30 AM. 'One Earth' will take center stage in discussions during the G20 leaders' summit, focusing on expediting climate action through heightened mitigation efforts and strengthening the global agenda for achieving net-zero emissions as expeditiously as possible.
This year's G20 Summit theme, held under India's presidency, is "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or "One Earth · One Family · One Future," derived from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. Essentially, this theme underscores the inherent value of all life forms—human, animal, plant, and microorganisms—and their interconnectedness on planet Earth and in the broader cosmos.
Following the conclusion of the 'One Earth' session and a delectable lunch, the next session, 'One Family,' is scheduled for 3:00 PM as part of the Summit's agenda. Later in the evening at 7:00 PM, a dinner will be hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. In addition to foreign delegates, parliamentarians, and current Cabinet ministers, the G20 Summit dinner will be graced by some of the nation's former senior leaders.
It is worth noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be participating in this weekend's summit. Nevertheless, China will be represented by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, ensuring their presence at the event.
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