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These days, we are constantly witnessing discourses on globalization, global changes and effects thereof upon individuals, societies and nations. It appears as if globalization is some new phenomenon. Seminars, symposiums and debates are being organized continuously on subjects related to globalization –global changes at various levels around the world. The effect of globalization on the world at present and likely in the future are the major points of discussions in this regard. Individuals are presenting their own viewpoints on these issues; they have the right to do so. But, it would be inappropriate, if especially the academicians-intellectuals or professors, neglect the reality of the process of globalization and present their views improperly or with a bias. It, thus, becomes essential that new dimensions of the process of globalization in relation to its effect upon India and the world are discussed and analyzed. At the same time, it is also necessary that they are examined and evaluated honestly-sincerely having the inevitability and importance of globalization in the centre.  

Globalization (“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” in Indian term), is derived from the word Globe. It is close to the words Vishwavyapi and Sarvadeshik –broad concepts dealing with the continuing process of the world. By nature, any process is dynamic. In dynamism, changes are inevitable at all levels in all walks of life. It is an endless process –an eternal law. If not so, life would become static-inactive. Movement of life would discontinue and life would become aimless. Hence, continuity and changes are necessary. So, if there is a change at global level, there is nothing astonishing or new about it. Similarly, changes bear an effect too.

Throughout the ages considerable changes have taken place. Some of them, despite originating in a particular nation, affected the whole world. References of scientific discoveries of the Sixteenth-Nineteenth Centuries can be made in this regard. Besides inventions in science, industrialization in the Eighteenth-Nineteenth Centuries brought about unprecedented changes in socio-political and economic spheres the world over. Despite its many side effects, industrialization, more or less, affected everyone in the world as a step towards globalization.

Citing two examples of change, and their effects in the Twentieth Century: First, the formation of the Communist government, for the first time under the leadership of Lenin in Russia, which besides attracting the attention of the world, affected all walks of life –socio-political and economic globally. Second, British Colonialism was thrown away under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in India to pave the way for Swarajya and a democratic setup in 1947 leaving a deep impact on people all over the world.

In brief, we can talk with certainty about the inevitability of change –essential at all levels in all walks of life. It is an eternal rule. Emphasizing the reality of the Law of Change, Gautama Buddha said, “Nothing is beyond the process of the Law of Change. It is eternal. For, nothing can be the exception to it.”

After the security of existence, it is the continuous process of development that leads man towards achieving his goal in life. In its constant process, development reaches various dimensions, widens the scope of cooperation and collaboration, which has affected the whole scenario today. The world looks like a family today. Despite the differences of opinion, diversities of faiths and disparities in working methods, people around the world are coming nearer to each-other. Distance has become less. Physical distance is replaced by virtual distance forming a close connectivity of distant people. At this stage, stepping forward in unison has become a necessity; hence, bringing the ancient Indian slogan, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” to a reality. This process will continue crossing halts time and again. Despite the momentary obstacles-hindrances, interdependence will increase; cooperation among people will grow. Limitations will decrease at all levels in all walks –and eventually boundaries among the nations will diminish.

Since ancient times, the process of globalization has taken place in India. It is not a new phenomenon. India’s ancient civilization and composite-harmonious culture are living examples of Hindustan’s pace towards the process of globalization and global change. Dravidian-Aryan (South-North) confluence, harmony of cultures of Greeks, Kushanas, Shakas, Hunas, Arabs-Turks and Mongols within the Indian culture is a proof of this. Centuries ago, India opened its doors for those who reached its land individually or in caravans with their own beliefs-faiths-tradition from any part of the globe to settle here permanently.

Right from the era of Indus Valley Civilization, India has been into trade with almost all countries of South and Southeast Asia, besides having business with countries like Bahrain, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Greece. Since ancient times, along with Vedic philosophy and Buddhism, other Indian schools of thought have been drawing the attention of people around the world. They reached many countries and became part of life of many in the world. Teachings of major religions of the world also reached India from time-to-time and became part of life of Indians. People like Huien Tsang, I-Tsing, Fah-Hian and Megasthenes reached India in ancient times to study the life of Indians –to explore its different schools of thought. They gained knowledge and after reaching back to their respective countries, carried the message home to work for cooperation and collaboration between their compatriots and India.

Indian history proves that since ancient times it has been at the forefront in the process of globalization. India itself has been guiding the process of change as a part of cultural and social growth and evolution. The general approach of Indians –the nature of its culture is absolutely evolutionary. Leaving the impression of their characteristics on others and learning from the features of others without any prejudice has been the quality of Indians. Hence, if twenty-five percent of total graduates, after completing their studies in the four major Indian IITs –Kharagpur, Mumbai, Chennai and Kanpur, on the strength of their capability-intellect, succeed in making place for themselves every year in a country like the US, there is nothing surprising in it. If India, after the US and the UK, becomes the third choice for the investor NRIs and Indian cinema, life and philosophy play a vital role in world affairs, it is not surprising.

The process of development affects peoples, positively and negatively, both. When a change is major, its impact is major too, hence the nature of impact becomes important in this regard. With the unprecedented progress in science, the upsides of industrialization had been the root causes of colonialism and imperialism –responsible once for political-economic slavery of the majority of the people of the world. Both were also responsible for people’s backwardness in socio-cultural spheres. Later, they paved the way for competition among nations, eventually resulting in the two World Wars.

We are witness to the current prevailing situation of continuously warring countries. Despite passing through the process of unprecedented development –awakening among the people, the world has prepared a path for its own destruction –really a dreadful situation for all.

India has always played an important role in the process of globalization; it added dimensions to this process from time-to-time. India’s importance in the current global changes is worth mentioning. Its responsibility lies in stepping towards the right direction and becoming welfaristic for all. India is the biggest democracy of the world and a country of diversities. Hindustan has presented unique examples of amalgamation of diversities before the world. From an economic viewpoint too, it is an emerging super power. Due to its satisfactory economic growth rate, India is a ray of hope not only for poor-developing nations, but also the developed countries –working as a bridge between them. Due to its constantly increasing strength and development in the field of science and communication technology, India has emerged as a leading political power in the world. India is a responsible nation and has its say in international affairs. It is, therefore, appropriate that India watch the whole process of globalization minutely so that a situation like that of colonialism-imperialism does not emerge again, and globalization and global changes prove beneficial to all, especially for those who are still deprived of their rights.

Today, the situation of the world is such that either all can proceed forward towards prosperity (as there is no other alternative left) or they should be ready for complete destruction. In this regard, India with its lessons of the past, can contribute tremendously following the policy of non-aggression and non-expansionism. Along with resolving its internal problems –marching together with other nations in the larger interest of common men –their welfare, India with the feeling of responsibility must take a lead in this direction bringing the world together in pursuit of peace and prosperity.