Transcending all man made barriers and boundaries, Bhagavad Gita speaks to the entire humankind. Its message is as universal and expansive as the skies, the oceans, indeed, the space all around and engulfing us. It is as relevant today as it was more than 5000 years ago when Krishna, the Master Charioteer, delivered it to Arjuna. His cousin, friend, and disciple.

It is for this very reason that responding to an interviewer about who his superhero was, Joko Widodo, the 7th  President of the Republic of Indonesia mentioned “Krishna”. He further explained that in the Javanese tradition Krishna represents both Strength and Wisdom.

Similarly, Puan Maharani, grand daughter of Sukarno, the First President of the Republic, quoted a verse from the Bhagavad Gita in her inaugural speech as Speaker of the House of Representatives:

“Finally, I wish all of us good luck, karmanyevadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana… Let us fulfil our obligation without consideration of loss or gain. If we do not benefit from it, then our children or grandchildren may. History has given us opportunity, now it is up to us whether we want to regress, stagnate, or progress.”