Ancient Wisdom, Modern Solutions: Dr Priti Adani’s Vision at Varanasi Symposium
Dr Priti Adani emphasizes using civilizational knowledge to solve modern problems at the Varanasi Symposium on Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges.
In the spiritual heart of India, a profound conversation on the intersection of history and the future took place. Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, delivered a powerful keynote address at the inaugural session of the World Symposium on "Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges" in Varanasi. Her central thesis was clear: the value of ancient knowledge lies not in its age, but in its ability to solve the crises of today.
Beyond Antiquity: Making Wisdom Relevant
Addressing the gathering, Dr Adani challenged the notion that tradition is merely about preservation. She argued that civilisational knowledge becomes truly valuable only when it is applied to contemporary struggles such as inequality, conflict, and human suffering.
"Knowledge gives us the power to change the world. Wisdom assures us that we change it for the better," Dr Adani remarked, emphasizing the need for a guided approach to progress.
To illustrate this global synergy of thought, she drew parallels between various world philosophies:
- Aristotle: His insights into human flourishing.
- Lord Buddha: His timeless teachings on the nature and cessation of suffering.
- Confucius: The Chinese philosopher's focus on moral responsibility, ethical conduct, and social harmony.
Connecting these diverse traditions to the Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), she called for a global application of this wisdom to foster sustainable development and improve the quality of human life.
Varanasi: A Global Confluence
Dr Adani highlighted the significance of Varanasi, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's choice of the city as his parliamentary constituency has transformed it into a symbol of India's rising global influence. She recalled how the city has welcomed world leaders, including the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and French President Emmanuel Macron, showcasing the city as a meeting point for different cultures and spiritual quests.
Service and the Bharat Knowledge Graph
Reflecting on three decades of social work, Dr Adani spoke about the concept of seva (selfless service). She defined it as the act of listening to communities and empowering them to dictate their own futures. This philosophy drives the Adani Foundation, which has been active since 1996 and currently operates across 22 states in 7,000 villages, impacting approximately 13 million lives.
To bridge the gap between ancient texts and modern research, Dr Adani highlighted the Bharat Knowledge Graph. Backed by a USD 10 million commitment from the Adani Group, this initiative aims to make India's vast civilisational knowledge accessible for interdisciplinary research, currently supporting 14 doctoral scholars.
A Shifting Global Order: Insights from Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs
The symposium also featured Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. In his address, "The Return of a Multipolar World," Professor Sachs provided a data-driven look at the shifting tides of global economic power.
The Rise of India
Professor Sachs presented a striking trajectory for India's economic growth:
- 2000: India's share of global output was 5.2%.
- 2026: Projected to reach 8.5%.
- 2050: Projected to climb to 13.1%.
- 2100: Projected to reach 15.1%.
He noted a broader shift toward Asia and Africa, predicting that the combined global economic share of Europe, Canada, and the United States will decline to 13.7% by the turn of the next century.
The Responsibility of Legacy
During an interactive session, Professor Sachs lauded the Adani Group as a primary driver of India's infrastructure expansion and economic progress. He touched upon a poignant point regarding family-led businesses, noting that unlike corporations driven solely by shareholder returns, businesses that carry a family name carry a heritage.
According to Professor Sachs, this familial connection creates a deeper obligation to society, ensuring that the business considers what it gives back to the community as part of its core identity.
The event also saw contributions from Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, who spoke on the enduring strength of India's civilisational identity.