Before understanding the combined meaning of the concept of Vasudev Kutumbakam, let us understand the meaning of each of its words. “Vasudev” means earth and Kutumb means family. Thus the combined meaning of Vasudeva Kutumbakam is “The Earth is one family.”
Just as no person can think of harming his family, he does not have any feeling of enmity towards his family. In the same way, by adopting the concept of Vasudev Kutumbakam, all human beings forget their responsibilities and start living like a mutual family. This sentence “Vasudev Kutumbakam” represents the belief that all living beings in the world should have kindness, compassion towards each other, and should treat each other with respect. They should try to live in peace and harmony.
The concept of Vasudev Kutumbakam was given by the ancient sages of India. His aim of this concept was to establish peace among all the living beings on earth, to make humans helpful towards each other so that humanity can continue to flourish.
In India, the feeling of Vasudev Kutumbakam was prevalent among all the people since ancient times. That is why India gave shelter to people of every caste and religion. But between the 16th and 17th centuries, European countries started colonizing India and tried to create division among the people of the country, due to which the spirit of Vasudev Kutumbakam gradually started declining.
The concept of Vasudev Kutumbakam has established peace among many people by eliminating discrimination. As long as the concept of Vasudev Kutumbakam remains prevalent among the people, there will be happiness and peace on earth.