The practice of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

After posting the previous blog, I thought deeper into the subject. Do I as an individual, practice Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, literally becoming engrossed into it? Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam means to me a world where everyone can work together for the progress of the society they live in regardless of race, religion and gender, if one requires help, then one would receive it and these actions should be performed with a pure heart and without any doubts.

In Shakha I have personally experienced the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in action. This is regarding a key karyakarta who, from a young age has been involved with Sangh and has taken up numerous responsibilities. Beginning as a swayamsevak to now becoming a karyawaha of his local Shakha. This karyakarta is of a Muslim faith in which he practices it daily. I remember the first time we met a couple of years ago; I have to admit I was kind of taken a back. A Muslim, in Shakha! I was just simply amazed! Speaking with the karyakarta, I asked him, why do you come to Shakha? His reply was only, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam". For a split second, it felt as if the true essence of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam was present.

However him being a practicing Muslim and attending Shakha, he is aware that some swayamsevaks build barriers between themselves and him just the fact that he is a Muslim. I was disappointed in hearing this, in Shakha we are taught to respect everyone no matter what background they're from. I believe we have the misconception that Shakha is for Hindus only and it is this mentality that has to be altered, if we have any insecurity between our own swayamsevaks, then there is still a lot more to learn from Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

From this experience, the question I asked myself is, would I ever go to a Muslim youth group? Honestly, I wouldn’t. Why? Maybe I feel I don’t see the need to go as I already have commitments with Shakha. Or maybe from the moment I was born and the influences around me have brought me up with mind-set that Muslims and Hindus just don’t get along.

But then again, I have Muslim friends, I wouldn’t say just friends but I can say that we share the same respect for each other as we would do with anyone else. We would treat one another like a brother and sister would do. But what is stopping me from mixing in with other members of the community from different faiths? To put it simply whilst writing this blog entry I think to some extent I am narrow minded. Me being narrow-minded has made me realise that I am not practising Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam but just merely saying the term. Simply saying the term is not good enough but we’ve literally got to immerse ourselves and practice it daily without any doubts.

One aspect many people lack including myself is that we can learn from those within our community but in order for society to progress we must also learn from those outside our community. This blog may sound negative, but to me, personally it’s positive as I have recognised this mistake within myself and from here it’s all about rectifying that mistake. I think after this knock on the head, I feel this is one thing I need to change within myself. Step across the barriers in my head, in my life and in my society.