G20 presidency a watershed moment: PM’S principal secy

The prime minister’s principal secretary P K Mishra (pictured) on Thursday described India taking over the G-20 presidency as a “watershed moment” and said it is our responsibility to showcase the country in “the most rightful ways befitting her stature and glory”.

Holding the meeting at 56 different locations in the country will ensure that the pan-indian nature of event is truly showcased, he said, adding that every state government, Union territory and citizen is a stakeholder in the process of India’s presidency.

“India has as much uniqueness as it has diversity. We have a responsibility to bring out the best traditions of India before the world,” Mishra said in his address at the University Connect: Engaging Young Minds programme to mark the occasion.

India has got a glorious opportunity to host the largest multilateral event on its soil, he said, according to a statement.

“G-20 presidency is an opportunity to present the diversity that is India to the outside world. Universities can train students about local history and important landmarks, art-forms and other cultural traditions of their area,” Mishra said.

Such students can then be a part of organising meetings and in guiding foreign delegates, he said.

Apart from places of historical, economic and cultural importance, there could be immersive experiences like nature walks, village visits, visits to weekly and local markets, the official told the audience comprising university students in large numbers.

Noting that the world is passing through challenging times, Mishra said it also offered opportunities and India has taken the lead in the global sphere to spearhead the transition towards cleaner sources of energy.

“Our global initiatives such as One Sun One World One Grid and the International Solar Alliance have been complemented by our domestic commitment for achieving 50 per cent installed electricity capacity through non-fossil sources. If a country such as ours shows the way then the world will have to follow,” he said.