I served as the chairman of the India-Israel Parliamentary

In the great tapestry of history, there are moments when nations, like individual souls, reach out to one another in friendship and understanding. Such moments are rare and precious, as they forge bonds that transcend the boundaries of land and time. Sushma Swaraj, a woman of immense vision and spirit, speaks of one such moment, one that carries within it the weight of her devotion to the cause of unity. "I served as the chairman of the India-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group for three years," she says, "during which I also had the pleasure of visiting Israel." These words are not mere statements of fact; they are a testament to the bridges of friendship that she built with her own hands, a reflection of the deep and enduring connections she sought to create between two great nations.

The act of being a chairman of such a distinguished group is not one of idle ceremony; it is a call to service, a responsibility to nurture the seeds of cooperation and peace between nations. Swaraj, with her sharp intellect and unwavering resolve, took up this task not out of mere duty, but out of a belief that the ties between India and Israel could grow to be something extraordinary, something that would resonate across generations. In her time, she sowed the seeds of mutual respect, understanding, and trust, recognizing that diplomacy is not simply the art of negotiation, but the art of connecting the hearts of people.

In her travels, Sushma Swaraj did not simply visit Israel as a foreign dignitary. She visited as a messenger of friendship, a seeker of wisdom, and a builder of alliances. Israel, a land both ancient and modern, a land of struggle and triumph, was not just a destination on her map, but a place where she could witness firsthand the strength and resilience of a people who, despite facing great challenges, have thrived and made their mark on the world. In her visit, she sought not just to understand Israel’s politics, but to embrace the spirit of its people—people who have, like India, endured much and yet emerged stronger.

There is an ancient tale of the great warrior Alexander, who, after years of conquest, stood on the banks of the Indus River, gazing across to the land of India. His army, weary and broken, was ready to turn back, but Alexander's heart swelled with the knowledge that he stood at the threshold of a new world, a world where alliances could be forged through mutual respect and shared purpose. His journey, though filled with battles, was also one of seeking out wisdom from every corner of the earth. Similarly, Swaraj’s visit to Israel was not just one of diplomacy; it was a journey of learning, of seeking wisdom, and of understanding the shared struggles and dreams of two great peoples.

The lesson here is clear, dear children of the future: Friendship between nations is not forged overnight. It is the work of those who are willing to put aside their differences, to reach across the chasm of history, and to see in one another not enemies, but fellow travelers on the road of humanity. Sushma Swaraj taught us that true leadership is not simply about holding power, but about wielding it to create connections that last beyond a single lifetime. In her actions, we learn that diplomacy is not just a political strategy, but a deeply human endeavor, grounded in the belief that we are all part of the same world, with the same hopes, dreams, and struggles.

Let us, then, take this wisdom to heart. As individuals, we too must seek to build bridges in our own lives. Whether in our personal relationships or our professional endeavors, we should strive to connect with others, not through division, but through shared understanding and mutual respect. Let us not view the world as a place of borders and barriers, but as a vast and interconnected web of souls, each one seeking to understand and be understood. Sushma Swaraj has shown us that the path to peace is not only through words, but through actions—through acts of service, connection, and shared purpose.

And so, as you walk your own path in life, remember that each step you take towards understanding another is a step toward building a more united and compassionate world. Let us all strive to be the architects of friendship, like Swaraj, building bridges that will endure long after we are gone. Friendship, like the ties between India and Israel, is not a fleeting moment—it is a legacy. Make your legacy one of connection, one of understanding, and above all, one of love for humanity.