“वसुधैव कुटुंबका, वसुधैव कुटुंबका, वसुधैव कुटुंबका“, I smile as I begin to gain my confidence.

“Humph! Better, practice more in the next class with Saroj Tai,” he said with a slight grin.

The consistency, high expectations, and tough love” provided by instructors taught me the literal translation of the word वसुधैव कुटुंबका (Vasudhaiva Kutumbaka). But more importantly, they confirmed how language can serve as a tool to bridge cultures from across the globe, as well as signify a level of appreciation and respect for cultural differences.

As a researcher who aligns more with a critical paradigm, admittedly I was skeptical of the concept of वसुधैव कुटुंबका (Vasudhaiva Kutumbaka). I thought, is this one of these cliches that people “just say” to sound nice, or to be politically correct. As I listened to the stories from international students, and specifically those from Africa I soon learned how the university had become an extension of their family. In some instances, students selected the university in part because members of their family were alumni.  In many regards, the university represented the legacy of family as well as the opportunity for educational attainment. For African students from across the diaspora and for international students across the world the university in fact did encompass वसुधैव कुटुंबका (Vasudhaiva Kutumbaka).

Similarly, I too began to feel and perceive the familial connection to the university. Although cultural and ethnic differences are apparent, the staff provided a sense of stability and reassurance. More importantly, while it is important to embrace one’s national and cultural identity, empathy, kindness, and compassion are the ingredients that enable वसुधैव कुटुंबका (Vasudhaiva Kutumbaka) to foster.  It’s the pride in one’s culture and the respect for valuing another's culture which serves as an indicator of वसुधैव कुटुंबका (Vasudhaiva Kutumbaka).

After a 12-hour day packed into a bus blaring song on the loudspeaker in Hindi. Marathi, and English and singing to the top of your lungs after representing your country in a flag hoisting ceremony is what cultivates वसुधैव कुटुंबका (Vasudhaiva Kutumbaka). It's your brother (भाऊ) from Afghanistan who waits with you while you book a रिक्षा (riskshaw) that gives the semblance of family.

The WhatsApp messages from your Indian friend/ sister (tबहीण) that invites you and other students from Nepal and Sri Lanka, to celebrate Gudipadva where her mother has prepared a delicious feast.  Kindred spirits taking tours of Narayan Peth, laughing and reminiscing on childhood stories of the markets on Laxmi Road form the close ties of family.

LOL or your Rakhi brother who invites you for a “small trek” to Tikona Fort that lasts for four hours because you're absolutely petrified of heights, but then makes up for it in the end with the freshest sugarcane juice and delicious poha.  It’s these experiences that have allowed me to see India as an extension of my family and truly embrace वसुधैव कुटुंबका (Vasudhaiva Kutumbaka).