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Associated Press
29-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Bharat Summit brings 450+ delegates from 100 nations to Telangana to rethink global justice; opens with a candlelight vigil condemning the Pahalgam attack
The Bharat Summit in Telangana brought together over 450 delegates from 100 countries to advance global justice. Leaders adopted a 44-point agenda promoting equality, peace, and democracy, emphasizing empathy and collaboration to address global challenges while honoring India's legacy in justice and solidarity. India, May 29, 2025 -- 450+ global delegates, 100 nations, one united call — delivering global justice from Hyderabad to the world In what is probably one of the first of its kind conference, the Govt. of Telangana, India in collaboration with Samruddha Bharat Foundation, an NGO based in New Delhi, India, hosted the first edition of the Bharat Summit- a global conference to mark the 70th anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference that laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), bringing together over 450 delegates representing progressive parties from 100 countries to 'deliver global justice'. The Summit began with the INC along with participating political parties from over 100 nations joining a candle-light vigil, in solidarity with the victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam, J&K and registering a strong stance against cross border terrorism. The vigil, led by Telangana CM Revant Reddy, was joined by several senior Congress leaders like Salman Khurshid and Gurdeep Singh Sappal. The theme of the Summit, which included incumbent and former ministers from EU, Africa and Asia and the US as well heads of political parties and think tanks, was to rethink and deliver global justice- social, economic, ecological and geo-political. For the first time, international alliances like Progressive Alliance, Progressive International, NAM, SocDem and others shared a stage to address common threats and concerns facing countries globally. Apart from senior ministers of the Telangana Government and several prominent leaders from the Opposition alliance of India including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the Summit was attended by former ministers and incumbent members of Parliament from across the world. Anne Linde, Former Foreign Minister of Sweden, Bert Koenders, Former Foreign Minister, Netherlands, Jorge Taiana, Speaker of Mercosur, Former Foreign Minister & Former Defence Minister, Argentina, Monica Fein, President Socialist Party of Argentina, Arena Williams, MP, Labour Party, New Zealand were among some of the speakers and delegates at the Summit. Apart from the fact that the Summit hosted over 450 leaders from social-democratic parties to 'rethink global justice', the Summit's timing was significant since it was organised to mark 70 years of the Bandung Conference. But while the Bandung Conference was attended by 29 parties and the NAM hosted 56 parties, the Bharat Summit expanded its umbrella to bring within its ambit over 100 countries from 5 continents. In a significant milestone, Congress leaders and global delegates collectively adopted the Hyderabad Resolution, a 44-point agenda under the theme 'Delivering Global Justice'. The resolution reaffirms a shared commitment to the values of freedom, equality, justice, and solidarity, uniting social-democratic, socialist, and labour movements from around the world. Key agenda items include reshaping the economic paradigm, advancing environmental justice, striving for gender equality and social inclusion, defending democracy and social justice, working for peace and human security, and reforming global institutions. Underscoring the common concerns of rollback of democratic rights and freedom, of the sustained attack on civil liberties, undermining of institutions, disregarding multilateral agreements, spreading lies and fuel division, the Resolution highlights the role it envisages for the progressives to collectively take on. Senior Congress Leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi delivered a powerful address reflecting on the changing nature of democratic politics around the world. He called for a political shift from fear and hatred to listening, empathy, and love. 'Democratic politics has fundamentally changed. The rules that applied a decade ago don't work anymore,' Gandhi said, pointing to how concentrated capital and media control have reshaped the political landscape. 'This is the new politics—where the opposition is not engaged with but crushed. All our avenues were compromised, including the media. That's when we reached back into history and decided to walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir—a 4,000-kilometre journey.' Reflecting on his Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi shared two key lessons: 'First, our opponents have a monopoly on anger and fear—we cannot fight them on that ground. But during the yatra, I discovered the transformative power of listening. I spoke less and listened more, and that changed everything.' The second lesson, he said, was about embracing love in politics. 'Until the yatra, I had never used the word 'love' in politics. But once I did, people began to respond. Love and affection can disrupt hate more powerfully than any argument.' Rahul Gandhi concluded by saying, 'Disagreements on policy will always exist. But while their lens is anger, hatred, and fear, our lens must be love, affection, and deep listening. I am confident this summit will help build the ideas we need for a new kind of politics in India and the world.' Agreeing with the vision of the Bharat Summit, Senior German politician Lars Klingbeil of the Social Democratic Party said, 'The topics being discussed at the Bharat Summit are closely related to the issues we are facing in Germany. Our international rules-based order has come under great pressure. There are attempts to disrupt this order and to replace the 'rule of law' with the 'rule of might.' These developments must stop.' Wayne Swan, National President of the Labor Party and former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, said, 'We believe in the power of public policy to change people's lives. In this era of hyper-individualism and the growing influence of oligarchs, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure economic equality.' He also added that party activism has never been more important, particularly in the face of rising fascism and the concentration of power among oligarchs in countries like the United States. Telangana Chief Minister Shri Revanth Reddy, addressing international delegates, showcased his government's progressive welfare policies. 'We have implemented the largest farmer debt waiver in India—Rs 20,674 crore—and provide over Rs 20,000 crore annually in agricultural subsidies,' he said. Highlighting women's empowerment, he added, 'Our women entrepreneurs are competing with Adani and Ambani.' Deputy Chief Minister Shri Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka noted that the presence of over 450 international delegates had provided the right platform to exchange ideas on global justice and peace, in alignment with Rahul Gandhi's vision of NYAY. The Bharat Summit is poised to be a defining moment for the global progressive movement, committed to a democratic, liberal, and just world order, while honouring India's legacy in global peace and justice. About the company: About Government of Telangana The Government of Telangana is committed to progressive governance, social justice, and inclusive development. As host of the inaugural Bharat Summit 2025, Telangana showcased its leadership in fostering global dialogue on justice, equality, and peace. With landmark initiatives such as the largest farmer debt waiver and robust support for women entrepreneurs, Telangana continues to drive transformative welfare policies that empower communities and promote sustainable growth. The state stands as a vibrant hub for innovation, collaboration, and a people-first approach to governance, shaping India's future while contributing to a just and democratic world order. Contact Info: Name: Masuma Siddique Email: Send Email Organization: Stellaratti Brand Consultants Address: 10, 29th Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050 Website: Release ID: 89160047 In case of encountering any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release that necessitate action, or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our responsive team will be readily available to promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, resolving any identified issues diligently or guiding you through the necessary steps for removal. The provision of accurate and dependable information is our primary focus.
News18
05-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
India After Caste Census Will Face Many Questions: What Congress Is Likely To Push For Next
In the Congress' scheme of things, the caste census should be taken to a logical end by removing 50 percent ceiling on jobs and education quota, setting up of a separate backward classes ministry, job reservation in the private sector, and proportional representation – 'Jiski jitni sankhya bhaari, uski utni hissedari' at all levels of political, social, professional hierarchies. The idea of forcing a caste census was crystallised in the 'Delhi Declaration' adopted at a National OBC Conclave held at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on December 21, 2021. This conclave was organised by the Samruddha Bharat Foundation, a trust sympathetic to the Congress ideology and programmes. Speakers from six parties and across sectors spoke at the event. These included Sharad Yadav (former union minister, since deceased), Lalu Prasad Yadav (RJD president), Chhagan Bhujbal (now with NCP-Ajit Pawar), D Raja (CPI General Secretary), TKS Elangovan (DMK MP), Prof Manoj Jha (RJD MP), Shyam S Yadav (BSP MP), Capt Ajay Yadav (former Haryana minister), Rajesh Lilothia (former MLA), Manikrao Thakre (former Mumbai Congress unit president), Madhu Yakshi Goud (former MP), Rev. Sunil Sardar (President, Satyashodhak Samaj), Prof Dilip Mandal (former Managing Editor, Outlook Hindi, now a BJP supporter), Dr Arvind Kumar (Assistant Professor, Jamia Millia Islamia), Dr Laxman Yadav (Assistant Professor, Zakir Hussain College), Prof Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd (Director, Centre for Studies of Social Exclusion, Maulana Azad National Urdu University) and Pushparaj Deshpande (Director, Samruddha Bharat Foundation).
The Wire
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
Forging a Progressive Global Alliance to Build Societies Free From Hate
Hyderabad hosted the Bharat Summit on April 25-26, 2025 observing the 70th year of the Bandung Conference that brought Global South countries together to challenge colonialism and neocolonialism. The conference was organised by the Samruddha Bharat Foundation in collaboration with the Government of Telangana to forge an alliance of the world's progressive forces. Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy and his ministers were all around throughout the conference to see everything was in order. Some of the ministers also participated in the panel discussions. From 100-plus countries, about 400 delegates with diverse backgrounds – politics, social activism and academics – attended the conference. The conference is the first of its kind to bring global progressive forces on one stage. What is the need for such an alliance in the present global context? It appears that the aim of the conference was not to make any immediate political gains but to remake the world order. Much has changed in the world in the last seven decades. Particularly, there are perceptible shifts in world politics. The shift from liberal democracy to far-right extremism poses a serious challenge not only to civic nation states but also to humanity. After the Second World War, all countries built their domestic and foreign relations on the principles of negotiation and cooperation, putting an end to fascist authoritarianism. Such a realisation came from the Holocaust organised by fascist forces. Indeed, the US and European countries established Holocaust Study Centres to educate their people. The target groups of the Holocaust then were Jews and political dissidents. The barrel has now shifted to Muslims. There has been a spread of Muslim migration across the globe in recent times, and this Muslim presence is now being propagated as a serious threat to nation states. This has induced a new form of ethnic nationalism and cultural nationalism that had transformed into right-wing extremist political movements in almost all the major world countries, particularly after the 2010s. Also read: Bharat Summit Shows New Hope in the Wake of Hatred and Violence The other question, is who is dangerous to the civic nation state? This was the main debate at the conference. The Bharat Summit observed that the far-right is the main threat to modern civic nation state because it is founded on the pre-nation state philosophies or pre-modern loyalties that induced the cultural nationalism. The modern nation state is founded on the philosophy of rationalism, liberalism, secularism and universalism. The far-right is completely against these values, as it is sourced on divisive politics and xenophobia. It doesn't believe in modern civic values such as equity and equality, which are guaranteed by the constitutions of the modern nation states. The far-right thus is also against the constitutionalism that ensures individual rights and special collective rights to marginalised social groups. These developments led the world progressive forces to debate on the present world order. The conference had seven panels and a valedictory session spreading over two days. The first panel discussion was on 'Gender Justice and A Feminist Future', which illuminated the challenges faced by women across the globe. The focus was on the empowerment of women and panellists discussed how the far right is obstracting it. There was a proposal for a feminist foreign policy. In the open discussion, the delegates posed a very interesting question on patriarchy and its roots in religious fundamentalism, making the connections between patriarchy and conservatism on which the far-right is built. Panel two was on 'Fact vs Fiction: Countering Disinformation', which opened a heated discussion on how facts are being fictionalised and how disinformation has been spread by right-wing forces. All the panellists highlighted the how right-wing politics is built on propaganda across countries and emphasised the importance of curbing such propaganda politics to build progressive politics. The panel on 'Youth and Politics of Tomorrow' stressed on the participation of youths in politics and said only the youth can change the present world order. There was a lengthy discussion on multilateralism in the 'Shaping New Multilateralism' panel. The rise of far-right governments has indeed been destabilising multilateralism by withdrawing from cooperative treaties and agreements. The panellists expressed concerns about the weakening of world organisations such as the UN in recent times. Withdrawing from multilateral treaties also has a devastating impact on global climate and environment. The panellists said that the recent withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change shocked the world. There was a panel on Accelerating Climate Justice at the conference, and all the panellists and delegates expressed dismay at the changing attitude of the developed countries toward climate change. They linked this to the growing far-right wing politics who have the least concern for the common good of the globe. This despite the fact that developed countries have been responsible for most emissions over the last several decades. Also read: At Bharat Summit, Global Leaders Call For 'Unity of Progressives' Against Far-Right Forces The panel on 'Overcoming Polarisation with Pluralism, Diversity and Respect' discussed pluralism and diversity at length, highlighting the underlying threat of ethnic-nationalism and cultural polarisation by the far right. The conference asserted the importance of respecting the different cultural and religious identities. The panels on 'Economic Justice in Uncertain Times' and 'Peace and Justice in a Multipolar World' deepened the discussion further on the diversities of the world and challenges posed by the far-right. The valedictory session had extra glamour with the participation of Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The session highlighted the themes of the conference, where political leaders of major participant countries spoke on how the rise of far-right wing movements taking their respective countries towards an authoritarianism. Gandhi spoke of how he took up the Bharat Jodo Yatra to oppose to conditions created by the Bhartiya Janata Party regime, which has been spreading divisive politics and hatred on Indian soil. He said he went to the people and told them that his yatra was just to open a 'market of love in the market of hatred', and people of India welcomed him with open hands. One could see parallels in all the representatives' speeches. All spoke of the menace of the far-right in their respective countries, and how it has been creating hate against another community. The session underlined that hate is only the capital of the far-right across the globe, and it should be combated. The conference ended with a declaration called the 'Hyderabad Resolution: Delivering Global Justice', listing out 44 points to be achieved. The last point of the declaration says, 'Together, we will confront injustices, forge a new era of transformation, create a world that honours the rights and aspirations of working peoples, and ensure the fullness of life for all.' The conference thus sought to visualise a new world on the principle of liberty, equality and fraternity, which resonates with Nehruvian socialism. On the whole, it created hope for a new society by forging a progressive alliance of countries, a society free from hate. Professor Bhangya Bhukya teaches history at the University of Hyderabad.
Hans India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Hyderabad decked up for Bharat Summit
Hyderabad: The city of Hyderabad is decked up for a two-day 'Bharat Summit' to deliberate on economic justice, climate justice, pluralism, diversity and multilateralism. Around 400 delegates from more than 100 countries are likely to participate in the summit to be held on Friday and Saturday. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjuna Kharge, KC Venugopal and other leaders will make a presentation on certain national and international issues. On the first day of the program, Rahul Gandhi and Kharge will deliver keynote addresses in the plenary session after the welcome remarks by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka. Senior leader Priyanka Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Supriya Sule and Kanimozhi Karunanidhi will address the valedictory session on Saturday. Addressing the press here on Thursday, Bhatti Vikramarka said: 'The summit will feature discussions on critical topics like gender equality, climate action, and economic fairness, reflecting Telangana's commitment to inclusive development. By bringing together policymakers, academics, and activists, the state is fostering a new era of international partnerships rooted in democracy and justice. Telangana's approach shows that local leadership can inspire global change, offering a model for other regions to follow'. The theme of the summit is 'Delivering Global Justice', he said, adding that the Bharat Summit would also provide an opportunity to rethink how the state should conduct itself in the new global context and also a perfect opportunity to rethink social, economic, and political paradigms. The summit is being organised in collaboration with the Samruddha Bharat Foundation marking the 70th anniversary of the historic Bandung Conference that laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement, the Deputy Chief Minister said, adding that the impact of Telangana Rising slogan and the investment opportunities in the state will also be discussed in the special session organized during the summit.
