Two-day Bharat Summit concludes with global call to protect democracy, social justice
The summit, organised by Samruddha Bharat and hosted by the Telangana government at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre and HITEX on November 13 and 14, brought together more than 1,000 political leaders, policymakers, academics, activists and other delegates.
Addressing the valedictory session, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged progressive forces to counter hatred through love, compassion, truth and non-violence, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s principles.
Referring to his Bharat Jodo Yatra, he said interactions with ordinary people had reinforced his belief in the relevance of Gandhian values in contemporary politics. He also expressed concern over the functioning of democratic institutions and electoral processes, questioned changes in electoral rolls and alleged growing influence of money and corporate interests in politics.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy called upon like-minded forces across the world to unite to protect democracy, the Constitution, voting rights and the interests of weaker sections.
He said Rahul Gandhi was spearheading a struggle to safeguard the rights of Dalits, tribals, minorities, Other Backward Classes and other marginalised communities and urged people from all sections of society to support the effort.
The Chief Minister also criticised the Union government over the cancellation of visas of several foreign delegates who intended to participate in the summit.
IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu said the summit aimed to promote a more democratic, inclusive and humane world through dialogue and cooperation. Recalling the Panchsheel principles, Bandung Conference and Non-Aligned Movement, he stressed the importance of sovereign equality and international partnerships.
He also welcomed the launch of the Our World Institute in Hyderabad as a proposed international policy think tank and invited delegates to participate in the Telangana Rising Global Summit scheduled for December.
During the two-day event, several sessions discussed electoral integrity, economic inequality, climate justice, artificial intelligence, media freedom, gender equality, youth participation and reforms in multilateral institutions.
Discussions on electoral integrity focused on concerns over alleged deletions from electoral rolls, transparency in the Special Intensive Revision process and protection of citizens’ voting rights.
Sessions on artificial intelligence and technology examined data privacy, employment disruption, algorithmic accountability and the need for public oversight.
Participants in the climate justice discussions called for greater climate finance and support for vulnerable communities.
A panel on cooperative federalism discussed fiscal devolution, inter-State water disputes, agricultural procurement, delimitation, tribal development and constitutional autonomy.
The summit also featured discussions on South-South cooperation, economic justice, youth participation and the future of media.
The India and the World Expo showcased Telangana’s handlooms, handicrafts, traditional products and cuisine.
The event concluded with calls for democratic renewal, reduction of economic inequalities, protection of constitutional rights and reform of global institutions through dialogue and peaceful cooperation.
