Students of Class 7 studying through NCERT textbooks will now explore India’s timeless philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam as part of their Social Science syllabus. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has updated the curriculum to include a new chapter dedicated to this ancient Indian belief that translates to “The world is one family.” The chapter has recently been introduced across Class 7 Social Science books and aims to familiarise young learners with India’s rich cultural and civilisational heritage.
NCERT has been gradually updating school textbooks to help the younger generation better understand the country’s cultural roots, historical traditions and age-old philosophies. Under this revision, Class 7 Social Science books now include a new chapter that focuses on the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a principle that has guided Indian thinking for centuries and has been embraced globally in recent years.
According to NCERT, the objective behind adding this lesson is to help students recognise how deeply the idea of universal brotherhood is woven into India’s cultural fabric. While the phrase gained global visibility during India’s G20 presidency theme, it has been an essential part of India’s social values for thousands of years.
NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani explained that the new chapter is titled “India: A Home to Many.” He said the chapter highlights how diverse communities that arrived in India over the centuries found acceptance, respect and opportunities to flourish. “Those who settled here and prospered understood the true meaning of India. The ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is deeply embedded in India’s worldview,” he added.
The chapter presents real historical examples of communities that migrated to India under difficult circumstances and were welcomed with safety and dignity. Students will learn about groups such as Jews and Parsis, who fled persecution and unrest in their native lands and eventually made India their home.
These communities not only found refuge but also experienced social harmony, cultural acceptance and ample opportunities to grow. The chapter emphasises how this spirit of inclusion reflects India’s long-standing tradition of treating the world as a single family.
By including such examples, the textbook aims to reinforce the idea that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is not merely a slogan or a phrase worn in speeches. Instead, it represents the essence of Indian civilisation — a worldview that promotes unity, compassion and coexistence.
Officials from NCERT state that the purpose of this addition is to help children understand that India’s belief in universal harmony is not new. It has continued through centuries, shaping India’s cultural identity and influencing how the nation interacts with the world.
The chapter is designed to help young students appreciate that India’s civilisation has always been open to different cultures, religions and communities. It also highlights how India has historically welcomed people in crisis, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.
The lesson encourages students to see the enduring relevance of this philosophy in today’s interconnected world and understand how India’s ancient values continue to inspire global discussions on peace and cooperation.
By adding Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to the curriculum, NCERT aims to nurture a deeper sense of cultural pride among students while promoting values such as harmony, inclusiveness and respect for diversity. The chapter reinforces that India’s civilisational thinking has always placed humanity at the centre and continues to resonate across generations.
