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Int'l Business Times
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Inclusivity and Traditional Indian Wisdom: A Blueprint for Eternal Prosperity
In a time of ideological divisions, fractured global dialogues, and rising individualism, the world searches for systems that don't merely tolerate diversity but celebrate it. Few cultures preach this profound idea: Unity through diversity. At the heart of India's millennia-old spiritual wisdom lies an inclusive worldview, which isn't just philosophical, but intensely lived. And perhaps, no recent event brought this philosophy to global attention as powerfully as the wedding of Anant Ambani in July 2024. While the event captivated international headlines for its grandeur and guest list, its more profound message was subtle yet striking: Inclusivity anchored in tradition. Held in Mumbai, the wedding wasn't merely a union between two individuals; it was a confluence of faith, heritage, and global harmony. From Silicon Valley to Saudi Arabia, from spiritual gurus to sovereign leaders, the guest list embodied the world in dialogue. Political dignitaries like John Kerry, Tony Blair, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan, among others, stood side by side with ISKCON monks, Shankaracharyas, and Vedic scholars. The wedding was not just about opulence—it was a reflection of how family values and spiritual discipline remain central to Indian tradition, even amidst modern success. The Ambanis' decision to follow ancient Vedic rituals, to include a mass wedding of underprivileged couples, and to serve over 1,000 meals daily through a bhandara (community kitchen), turned a private celebration into a world benchmark on compassionate wealth. From the resplendent Banaras-themed décor to the Valley of Gods performance led by Nita Ambani, the ceremonies radiated cultural richness while staying anchored in humility and service. Guests from all backgrounds, dressed 'Resplendently Indian,' became part of a shared experience—united not by uniformity, but by reverence. What made this moment so powerful wasn't just the scale or symbolism; it was the spirit of inclusion that permeated it all. In an increasingly segmented world, where difference often leads to distrust, India offered an alternative: difference as a divine deed. Just as Lord Krishna teaches in the Hindu scripture sacred book 'Shrimad Bhagavad Gita' that truth wears many faces, this wedding reminded the world that tradition can be expansive, not exclusive. That wealth, when paired with wisdom, becomes a force for upliftment. And that cultural diplomacy, when rooted in authenticity, has the power to heal global narratives. This layered, open-hearted approach to truth is the essence of Indian inclusivity, and it was this same spirit that the Ambani wedding reflected to the world.
India Today
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Radhika-Anant: The wedding that put India on the global map
It's been a year since the Ambani-Merchant wedding, and yet it continues to resonate. Not just for its visual splendour, but for what it represented—a moment where India redefined what luxury, spirituality, and tradition could look like on the global watched as sacred fire rituals met couture fashion, as ancient customs blended with modern grandeur. But it wasn't just opulence that made headlines. The heart of the celebration was deeply spiritual. With every puja, every saint's blessing, and every act of seva—the samuhik vivah and the community bhandara—the wedding became a demonstration of Indian values. advertisementIt was also a masterclass in soft power. The presence of global politicians, CEOs, and celebrities made this a diplomatic and cultural statement. The immersive Banaras-themed dcor, the sartorial spectacle of Indian design, and the seamless hospitality sent a powerful message. By staying rooted and authentic, it commanded global attention. It became a cultural turning point, one that placed India at the center of the world's imagination.- Ends
