The backdrop for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's welcome handshake with G20 leaders, was a recreation of the Konark Wheel from the Sun Temple in Puri, Odisha, as they gathered at the summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, in Delhi on Saturday.

Odisha's famous Konark wheel

The Konark Wheel was constructed during King Narasimhadeva I's rule in the 13th century.

Its rotational motion represents time, or "Kaalchakra," as well as advancement and ongoing change.

The 24-spoke wheel, which was also made into the Tricolour, represents India's ancient wisdom, rich civilization, and fine architectural design.

It serves as a potent representation of the democratic wheel, reflecting the tenacity of democratic values and dedication to social advancement.

The intricately designed wheel, which was made with extraordinary perfection and great precision, allows sunlight to pass through it and produce shadows, which were once used to determine the precise time in antiquity. The engravings on the wheels also perfectly represent scenes from Hindu mythology, including representations of humans, animals, and gods and goddesses. The cycle of life, death, and rebirth is said to be symbolised by the wheel in legendary texts.

G20

The guests have arrived

Ahead of the two-day summit of the top international leaders, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Bharat Mandapam this morning. Alongside with him were National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Key world figures who will attend the event in the nation's capital city today and tomorrow include US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Notably, neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the weekend summit. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Russia, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang will represent China at the summit.

Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank, Kristalina Georgieva, secretary-general of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, and head of the World Health Organisation Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus were among the first few world leaders to arrive at the Bharat Mandapam location.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam:

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to "One Earth, One Family, One Future," is the subject of this year's Summit, which is being hosted by India. This theme was taken from the ancient Sanskrit scripture of the Maha Upanishad. The central message of the topic is the importance of all life, including human, animal, plant, and microbial life, as well as the connectivity of all life on Earth and across the universe.

G20 Summit dinner will also include few of the nation's former top leaders

Another "One Family" session would be held as part of the Summit at 3 pm after the "One Earth" session is over and followed by lunch. A supper will be served at roughly 7 o'clock, hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. The G20 Summit dinner will also include a few of the nation's former top leaders in addition to the foreign delegations, lawmakers, and ministers in the present Cabinet.

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