London, June 14: Philosopher and author Acharya Prashant delivered a compelling address at a special event in the House of Lords on June 12. Speaking as the chief guest on the theme “Indian Roots, Global Wings,” he contextualized the messages of Indian philosophy and Vedanta on a global scale.
He emphasized that true Indian identity transcends culture, traditions, festivals, or cuisine. According to him, India’s real essence is rooted in self-knowledge, which arises from the fundamental inquiry: “Who am I?”
Acharya Prashant spoke at Westminster Palace, a venue that has hosted historic speeches from some of the world’s most distinguished figures, including Queen Elizabeth II, Pope Benedict XVI, Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and General Charles de Gaulle.
The event was attended by UK policymakers, MPs, educators, students, and representatives from various fields. Notable attendees included Lord Bilimoria, a crossbench peer and Chancellor of Birmingham University from 2014 to 2024; Lord Nagaraju, a Labour life peer and founder of AI Policy Labs and the Mahatma Gandhi Future Leaders Program; Labour MP Barry Gardiner; India’s Deputy High Commissioner Karthik Pandey; and Amit Tiwari, National President of INSA. As the chief guest, Acharya Prashant illuminated the contemporary and global relevance of the Upanishadic verse “Asato Ma Sadgamaya.”
He stated that Indian roots are not merely a matter of cultural identity but symbolize a serious commitment to self-discovery. He noted that Vedanta, Buddha, Sant Kabir, and other significant philosophical traditions in India emerged from this earnest self-exploration. He pointed out that global expansion and success are often misconstrued as freedom, while true freedom comes from recognizing and liberating oneself from internal constraints.
Reciting the Upanishadic prayer “Asato Ma Sadgamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya, Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya,” Acharya Prashant elaborated on its meaning. He clarified that this is not a religious or sectarian expression but a call for an internal journey for all humanity—moving from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality.
He also referenced the message from the Katha Upanishad, “Uttishthata Jagrata Praapya Varannibodhata”—arise, awake, and learn from the wise—and the negation method “Neti Neti”—not this, not this. Reminding the audience of the Vedic proclamation “Charaiveti, Charaiveti,” he stressed that seekers should not become complacent with any external identity, achievement, or symbol. These identities feed the ego, while self-inquiry transcends them.
Outside the parliamentary premises, Acharya Prashant addressed the climate crisis, stating that it reflects an internal disorder within humanity. He urged lawmakers to recognize that this is not merely an emissions issue but a consciousness issue. The roots of crises like climate change, social fragmentation, and mental unrest lie in human internal chaos. Solutions cannot be found solely through laws, policies, and technical measures; individuals must also seek to understand themselves.
Reflecting on his recent dialogues at Cambridge and Oxford universities, as well as his address at the British Parliament, he asserted that truth is not a product that can be tailored for different markets. While language and presentation may vary according to the audience and circumstances, the essence of truth remains unchanged. Discussing the relationship between Vedanta and modern science, he noted that both ultimately converge on the same question—”For whom?” Science studies objects and events, while Vedanta investigates the knower who experiences all.
In light of his upcoming discussions on climate change, Acharya Prashant emphasized that without widespread self-education, success will remain elusive. He acknowledged that green technologies, policies, and economic measures are necessary but will prove insufficient unless they address humanity’s insatiable consumption tendencies.
Acharya Prashant’s address is a significant part of his broader visit to the UK. Previously, he shared his insights at the Cambridge India Business Dialogue 2026 and delivered an extensive philosophical lecture on the Isha Upanishad at Oxford University. In the coming weeks, he will address various sessions at the London School of Economics (LSE), King’s College London, and participate in the London Climate Action Week from June 20 to 28. Recently, he was honored at the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival 2026 for his book “Truth Without Apology.”
The founder of the Advaita Foundation, Acharya Prashant described his UK visit as an effort to confront global issues through the lens of self-knowledge. He asserted that India’s greatest contribution is not its cultural symbols but the self-knowledge that has always been essential for all of humanity.
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