Readiness, Resilience and the Pursuit of Justice: Roses and ‘Ratri Bohj’

Sitting in the splendor of Taj Falaknuma, the palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad for a gala dinner of the G20 Health Working Group, I was transported back in time and reminded of historical and cultural heritage in this most exquisite of ‘Ratri Bohj’ (Gala Dinner) in Hyderabad, India. It was a weekend that etched its beauty in my heart, an experience that stirred my senses and evoked profound reflections. The sheer magnificence of the event, accompanied by impeccable service, unfolded as a nine to thirteen course feast of delectable bites. From the succulent prawns to the tantalizing chicken, from the flavorful vegetarian fare to the blissful tamarind sorbet cleansing the palate, each dish was a masterpiece.

The delicate fragrance of the rosewater we were served mingled with the air as red rose petals danced within our glasses. Our plates, nestled upon a bed of roses, seemed to reflect the essence of the occasion—a true celebration of beauty and culture. The conversations flowed like a harmonious melody, weaving together the voices and stories of individuals from over thirty countries. It was a gathering where cultures converged, fostering a spirit of unity and understanding, as young people honed their craft and proudly represented their heritage.

The passing of Mukarram Jah, the last Nizam of Hyderabad, in January this year, added an extra layer of poignancy to our visit. Within the remnants of the Mughal Empire, a dynasty emerged, amassing more wealth than all of India's other princes combined. The Nizams of Hyderabad created a state that surpassed Constantinople as a center for Muslim culture and learning, yet it was marred by corruption and depravity. The British Raj's fortunes were even influenced by this powerful dynasty. When Mukarram Jah, an educated grandson with roots tracing back to the last Caliph of Islam and immense wealth, ascended to the throne in 1967, little had changed.

In moments like these, my mind drifts towards the broader context of the Global South, the diverse narratives that attempt to undermine our full humanity and question our rights to dignity and enjoyment of the world's riches—its nature, its music, and its resources. Often, our energies are consumed by the fight for our rights, struggling to be heard in a world that tries to obscure us and silence our voices. It is a world that sometimes chooses not to see us, no matter how brightly we shine-like pearls hidden in the sand. Amidst this struggle, it becomes easy to lose sight of the joy that resides within our cultures, within our creations.

The exquisite Ratri Bohj I experienced serves as a powerful reminder of Toni Morrison's insightful words: "The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being. Somebody says you have no language and you spend twenty years proving that you do. Somebody says your head isn't shaped properly, so you have scientists working on the fact that it is. Somebody says you have no art, so you dredge that up. Somebody says you have no kingdoms, so you dredge that up. None of this is necessary. There will always be one more thing."

As I remain steadfast in the fight for equity in this important year for global health, working alongside partners and collaborators from all corners of the world, I hold onto the power of joy. I firmly claim my space at the table, whether it be a table where we discuss women's rights, inclusion and equity in public health, equal access to education for girls, or the provision of humanitarian assistance to troubled regions. And yes, even at an exquisite banquet in Hyderabad, I relish in the joy that is rightfully mine.

Watching the diversity around that table, I thought of the potential of cultural diplomacy, of the importance of having everyone at the table not as a token gesture, not with seats of varying sizes, not some tucked into a corner. At the risk of sounding too optimistic it wasn’t hard to feel a sense of belonging at this table. It is this sense of inclusivity I would like to see across board, in rooms where global instruments are being debated, in rooms where the fates of billions are being decided; I would like to see Africa and all of the Global South as represented in rooms where matters affecting them are being discussed. I am also reminded of the Yoruba saying: Àjọjẹ ò dùn bí ẹnìkan ò bá ní; ọjọ́ a ní la ńṣe àjọjẹ. Sharing isn't pleasant when one party consistently lacks; it is happily done when all can give. I felt this sense sitting in a Global South nation that was hosting the world in a display of not only splendour but generosity. With justice and equity across the board we are all more empowered to share our gifts, to inspire with our splendour and to enrich with our knowledge and expertise.

In our pursuit of justice and equality, we must not forget to nourish our souls, to embrace the richness of our cultures, and to celebrate the joys that illuminate our paths. The memory of that unforgettable banquet resonates within me—a testament to the resilience, the joy, and the unwavering spirit that shines through despite the world's attempts to diminish us. It reminds us that while we strive for change, it is essential to savor life's wonders and find solace in our collective heritage. For within the tapestry of our shared experiences lies the power to transform and transcend, inspiring us to continue our journey with passion, purpose, and unwavering joy.

I must also recognize the vital role of health diplomacy as transcending mere lobbying for adherence to rules and treaties to seeing and emphasizing the humanity behind decisions and actions. An exquisitely organized event that captures India's magnificent cultural heritage has the power to deeply resonate with those who grasp its significance.  Smart health diplomacy taps into the potential of soft power, whether through grand undertakings like hosting the G20 presidency and facilitating South-South platforms, or by comparison seemingly modest gestures like hosting cultural banquets and organizing cultural tours that highlight India's richness and by extension the diverse cultures of the Global South. Such cultural diplomacy cultivates lasting connections, understanding, and cooperation on the global stage.  In this pivotal year for the future direction of the global health architecture and our collective health futures, let us not forget the essential role of beauty and culture in supporting our well-being and healthy flourishing societies.