Guest Info

Dr Mohan Kaul is the former director of the Commonwealth Business Council and the Global Indian ambassador for Commonwealth Affairs. He discusses his ideas on practical solutions to contemporary problems.

About the Show

As HRH King Charles III assumes the throne, questions arise about the relevance and evolution of the Commonwealth in today’s rapidly changing world. In this episode, Rajan Nazran engages in a profound conversation with Dr Mohan Kaul about the modern Commonwealth and its future direction following the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. 

For decades, the Commonwealth has been closely associated with the Queen, and her loss is deeply felt by many, including Dr Kaul. The discussion explores how the Commonwealth functions, focusing on trade, climate change, and investment. Despite the transition to King Charles, significant changes have yet to be introduced to the Commonwealth system.

The Commonwealth is praised for fostering democracy and empowering smaller countries, giving them representation on a global stage. Unlike the UN, the Commonwealth has a unique quality of not requiring translation, contributing to its cohesion and inclusivity.

Dr Kaul expresses reservations about expanding the Commonwealth to Non-English Speaking countries, emphasising the importance of maintaining its distinctive linguistic aspect. The idea of a Commonwealth museum is also proposed, exemplifying Uganda as a country that has benefited from Commonwealth involvement in development.

The podcast debunks misconceptions of the Commonwealth as a colonial empire, highlighting its potential to make a positive impact and help many people worldwide. Dr Mohan Kaul provides a thoughtful exploration of the Commonwealth’s significance in the contemporary era. Tune in now!

Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.

Script by Rajan Nazran
original idea: Rajan Nazran

Introduction music: (https://freesound.org/people/Timbre)

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