New Delhi - There are pivotal moments in history that demand recognition, and the NDTV G20 Conclave held in the heart of the Indian capital was a witness to one such moment. The very air seemed charged with anticipation, and when Alex Ellis, the UK envoy to India, took the stage, he was about to reveal the full extent of India's ever-growing influence on the global stage.

"Did you ever imagine one day a person staying at 10 Downing Street, on August 15, would say 'Jai Shri Ram'? Lord Curzon would have choked," Ellis began, his words carrying a weight of their own. For those unfamiliar, 10 Downing Street is not just an address; it's the residence of the UK Prime Minister. Ellis’s words echoed the corridors of history, making a stark comparison to the times when Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, undertook the controversial Bengal Partition in 1905, which was largely based on religious and ethnic divides.

This wasn't just a mere observation. Ellis was underlining a radical shift. A dramatic turnaround from a time when India was under British colonial rule, its destiny decided by the whims of the empire, to the present day, where the echoes of Indian culture reverberate even in the most hallowed halls of British governance.

Further emphasizing India's burgeoning prominence, Ellis shared some staggering facts: "India tops three visa categories in the UK including students, visitors, and skilled workers." This is not just a testimony to the bilateral ties but an ode to the excellence and prowess of Indians who are shaping the world. The international corridors are abuzz, and it's evident that India is not just participating but leading in many global domains.

India’s Rising Global Influence: A Reflection from 10 Downing Street

In Ellis’s statements, one could sense more than just facts. It was a testament to India's indefatigable spirit, its resilience, and the richness of its culture that has made its way beyond boundaries. A nation once colonized was now standing tall, its ethos resonating even in the corridors of power across the world.

It's moments like these that make one pause and reflect on how far India has come. From the days of yore, when decisions about its fate were made in palatial mansions miles away, to the present, where the nation is a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. The journey has been arduous, but every step has been worth it. Every Indian heart today can swell with pride, hearing the praises sung in foreign lands, reminding us all that our India is a land of boundless potential and unparalleled cultural richness.

Drawing attendees into the very ethos of modern global interconnectivity, Ellis remarked on the evolving kinship between the UK and India. "India tops three visa categories in the UK including students, visitors, and skilled workers," he said, illustrating not just numbers but narratives. Each visa is a testament to the proficiency, cultural depth, and the global aspirations of India and its people.

However, more than statistics and policies, it was the anecdotal references that truly captured the zeitgeist. Ellis drew attention to India's assertive role on the international scene, lauding its impactful G20 presidency. But perhaps the most stirring testament to India's global resonance was British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's heartfelt utterance of 'Jai Shri Ram' on Indian Independence Day, a sentiment deeply cherished by millions of Indians.

This wasn’t a mere symbolic gesture. On August 15th, Sunak didn’t just limit himself to words; he immersed himself in the spiritual tapestry of India. He was seen at the revered Ram Katha recital, led by the esteemed spiritual Guru, Morari Bapu, held within the hallowed halls of Jesus College at the University of Cambridge. The fervent chants of “Jai Siya Ram” echoed as Sunak made a floral offering at Morari Bapu’s Vyas Peeth. This act is emblematic of the universal appeal of Indian spirituality, transcending geopolitical boundaries.

Moreover, Sunak reminisced about his time as Chancellor when he illuminated the grounds of his residence with diyas during Diwali, the festival of lights. His engagement with Indian traditions, so heartwarmingly personal, speaks volumes about the deep-rooted connection he feels with Indian culture.

As lines between nations blur in today's globalized world, it's moments like these that stand out. Here is India, a nation once overshadowed by empires, now shining bright, with its stories, traditions, and achievements being acknowledged, adopted, and celebrated by leaders of the very lands that once ruled over it. Such acknowledgments do more than just highlight India's global influence; they bring forth an emotion, a shared pride, and a collective sense of nationalism that resonates with every Indian, home and abroad.

In a heartwarming revelation that culminated the NDTV G20 Conclave, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with palpable emotion and deep-rooted pride, spoke of his attendance at Morari Bapu’s Ram Katha on India’s Independence Day.

Speaking from the revered grounds of the University of Cambridge, Sunak's voice carried the weight of his dual identity, both as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and a devout Hindu. “Bapu, I am here today not as a Prime Minister but as a Hindu," he professed. These words, unscripted and profound, resonate the sentiment of countless global citizens who anchor themselves to their cultural and spiritual roots even as they navigate vast, diverse landscapes.

Sunak’s faith, as he described, isn't just about rituals and traditions. It’s an internal compass, an ethereal guide that steers him through the challenging corridors of leadership. “Being Prime Minister is a great honour, but it is not an easy job," he shared candidly. The trials, tribulations, and the weight of national decisions can be daunting. Yet, in these moments of profound challenge, it's his unwavering faith that provides him "courage, strength, and resilience."

The Prime Minister’s profound declarations were not just confined to the hallowed halls of Cambridge. They echoed through the bustling streets of India and resonated deeply amongst the global Indian diaspora. With every word, he seamlessly intertwined his British national identity with his Hindu religious one, stating emphatically that he was unequivocally proud to be both. His sincere admiration for Bapu's values - of "selfless service, devotion, and keeping the faith" - beautifully aligned with his observation of their universal relevance. "These Hindu values," Sunak remarked, "are very much shared British values."

It's in moments like these, where the crossroads of nationality and faith intersect, that we witness the true global narrative of the 21st century. A narrative where heritage isn’t left behind but carried forward with pride; where one’s faith isn’t just personal but universal in its message. Through Sunak's heartfelt revelations, India's legacy shone brightly, a beacon of cultural pride, and an embodiment of shared global values, proving that while geography may define our homes, it’s our heart's heritage that truly defines us.