Bharat: The Mother of Democracy | What's inside the booklet given to world leaders in G20?

The world leaders and organisational heads who attended the G20 Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi left with a special booklet that has hogged the limelight now. Titled 'Bharat: The Mother of Democracy', the booklet sheds light on the definition and significance of democracy with lessons on India's rich and vast history dating as early as 6000 BCE. 

The booklet has created quite a buzz as the debate around the India and Bharat as the Nation's official name is still raging. While the opposition parties kept opposing 'Bharat', the Central government sent a strong response by changing India's name as Bharat on the G20 table. Now the G20 booklet has explicity mentioned that "Bharat is the official name of the country."

Let us take a look what what's in the booklet gifted to world leaders who attended the G20 Summit. You can also check out the booklet yourself here. 

What's in the G20 booklet?

• The booklet consists of 52 pages and reflects on the values of democracy and the Indian civilisational which dates back to around 6000 BCE after being born on the banks of the Sindhu and Saraswati river. 

• It starts with a quote of PM Modi that reads, "I am proud to represent a country which has the distinction of being named as the 'Mother of democracy.' We have had a great tradition of democracy for thousands of years. Our diversity is the hallmark of our strong democracy. A country that has dozens of languages, hundreds of dialects, different lifestyles, cuisines. This is the best example of a vibrant democracy." 

• The booklet also teaches about the Vedic era incorporating political, societal and educational principles and how governance for the welfare of the people has been the core value of India since the beginning. 

• Citing the epic Mahabharata, it defines democracy and summons Lord Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita and his lessons on 'Dharma' and fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of civilised beings. 

• The booklet also solidifies the nation's position as the mother of democracy through accounts of Greek and Chinese travellers who visited the nation and were impressed by Bharat's traditions and cultures.