In a momentous occasion that has stirred immense pride in India’s Odisha State, the G20 Summit hosted in Delhi witnessed a remarkable display of cultural heritage as Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm and dignified welcome to world leaders. This heartwarming gesture took place against the backdrop of an awe-inspiring representation of the Konark Wheel, an emblematic symbol deeply embedded in India’s history and culture.
The stage was set at Bharat Mandapam, where delegates from across the globe converged for this monumental event. India, known as the cradle of democracy, seized the opportunity to assert its enduring commitment to democratic values through an interactive exhibition artfully showcased on 26 LED panels.
Prime Minister Modi, on Saturday morning, personally greeted each visiting world leader as they arrived at the second level of the Bharat Mandapam. With the customary photo-op handshake, this unique welcoming ceremony featured the Konark Wheel of Odisha as its backdrop, evoking a sense of profound heritage and symbolism.
As the dignitaries walked along a red carpet, they were flanked by a wall adorned with 32 “essential yoga asanas,” curated from the 17th-century text of the Gheranda Samhita. This display served as a reminder of India’s contributions to holistic well-being and spiritual enlightenment.
The Konark Wheel, a resplendent testament to democracy, was originally constructed during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I. This iconic wheel, with its 24 spokes, also finds its place on India’s national flag, representing ancient wisdom, advanced civilization, and architectural brilliance. The wheel’s rotation symbolizes the passage of time, known as the Kalachakra, signifying progress and the perpetual change in the universe. As a symbol of the wheel of democracy, it embodies the enduring spirit of democratic ideals and a steadfast commitment to societal progress. The Konark Sun Temple, where this magnificent wheel resides, was rightfully declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and remains a prominent pilgrimage destination, located just 35 kilometers from Puri in Odisha.
Within the summit venue, India continued to showcase its rich cultural heritage, paying homage to the power of the sun with “Surya Shakti,” which translates to solar power. This multi-layered masterpiece features a central disc portraying the sun, its radiant rays extending across a massive 52-meter-long wall. Emerging from this sunlit backdrop are seven horses, symbolizing the life forces that harness the energy of the sun, a profound representation of the interconnectedness of all existence.
Beyond the visual spectacle, India made a powerful statement about its democratic traditions through an interactive exhibition mounted on 26 LED panels outside Hall No. 14. Aptly titled ‘Bharat: Mother of Democracy,’ this exhibition underscores India’s role as the harbinger of democratic principles on the global stage, reinforcing its legacy as a guiding light in the world’s democratic journey. As leaders of nations gathered to deliberate on pressing global issues, India’s rich heritage and commitment to democratic values shone brightly, exemplifying its unique and cherished place in the world.
Prasanta Patnaik