India taking over G20 presidency watershed moment: PM's principal secy Mishra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Universities can select bright students and train m in being rapporteurs of sessions," he added.

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

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

ting that G-20 presidency has been passed onto India during its "Amritkaal", a term used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to define period leading to country's indepdencne centenary, he said related events related to exercise should showcase a glimpse of our tradition of "Atithi Devo Bhavah" (guests are Gods).

He ted that PM Modi has stressed importance of forward-looking actions but with firm roots in our culture and recalled launch of 'Mission Lifestyle for Environment' in presence of UN secretary general.

"This LiFE Mission is one such mantra we have given to world," Mishra said.

Unified Payment Interface (UPI), pioneered by India, is ar example of how Indian solutions have potential to come to aid of world, he said.

"Our evolving experience with bridging domestic digital divide can provide valid lessons to international community to bridge global digital divide," he said.

vibrant start-up eco-system in country is evidence that sky is limit as far as youth are concerned, he added, ting that India is currently ranked third globally in its fintech strength after USA and China.

Under Modi, India has continuously moulded its policies to suit needs of its youth and National Education Policy 2020 is a holistic and futuristic policy based on foundational principles of access, equality, quality, affordability and accountability, he said.