Cultural and Soft Diplomacy of India

 

Cultural and Soft Diplomacy of India

It is a matter of satisfaction to note that India has arrived in the realm of Soft and Cultural Diplomacy. But it is still to reach with many slots still remaining to be explored and exploited in this regards. On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, June 21, I thought of

sharing some of these proposals and ideas with the hope the GOI would consider and take appropriate decisions to add further laurels to India’s cultural and soft diplomacy. I wrote on the subject in March, 2025 in my blog which may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2025/03/indias-soft-and-cultural-diplomacy.html

India is fully engaged in socio-cultural interaction with international community both bilaterally with most of the countries of the world and also through the UN and other multilateral and international fora to share and promote dance, drama, films, music, languages and traditional values. India’s soft diplomacy in this regard is formulated by the MEA and executed through its programmes under the ICCR and under ITEC and Developmental Assistance. Besides this, bilateral approach, India has done, and rightly so, wonderfully well to supplement and flag the UN goals of peace and wellbeing of the humanity under the following two initiatives:-

International Day of Yoga - The International Day of Yoga is a day in recognition of Yoga that is celebrated around the world annually on 21 June following its adoption by the United Nations in 2014. As Yoga exercises have shown significant benefits for physical and

mental well-being, it was considered important by the UN to globally promote this wellness practice, which originated in ancient India. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated successfully on 21 June 2015, around the world. It has become a much celebrated and appreciated slot in the in the realm of human engagement with regard to the physical and mental health of the society at large. I have had the privilege of supporting and promoting Yoga agenda of Baba Ramdev in Scotland as the Consul General of India and that of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Tokyo as Counselor of the Indian Embassy.

International Day of Non-violence - The International Day of Non-Violence, celebrated annually on October 2, marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a global beacon of peace and non-

violence. This day, proclaimed by the United Nations in 2007, serves as a reminder of the power of non-violence in shaping societies. It fell on me as the flag-bearer of India to celebrate the International Day of Non-violence in Edinburgh (Scotland) and Minsk (Belarus).

These are the two flagships of the India’s cultural and soft diplomacy. India has the wherewithal to strengthen and give impetus to these activities. I have some proposals and ideas in this regard which I share here with a view to attract due attention not only of the GOI but also ‘We the people of India’ to register with the international community India’s capabilities and intensions for the benefit and advantage of the world at large –

i)               International Day of Equality – This proposal is resting with the GOI (MEA/PMO) for almost a decade. In the run up to celebrating 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, one of the greatest sons of contemporary India, it was proposed to declare April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the

arrangements of the UN. The proposal exactly fits in the UN agenda of establishing ‘a just and equitable international order’. We have been following the proposal since June, 2015. There is no response from the GOI except routine acknowledgements. It is gratifying to note that PM Narendra Modi holds Babasaheb in high esteem. Only yesterday while speaking in Bihar, he said, “…….. Modi has Babasaheb in his heart and would like to keep his portrait close to his chest." Without saying much, let us come out of the ‘lip service phase’ and do something concrete which would add more feathers to our soft diplomacy. My last blog on the subject may be seen at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2025/06/in-pursuance-of-proposal-on.html

 

ii)              Days of Buddha Not Yuddha – India’s traditional thought is World is one Family – Vasudaiva Kutumbhkam’. We believe in Panchsheel in interacting with the world. PM Narendra Modi has clearly stated that war is not the answer to solve problems among the countries; dialogue and diplomacy

is. These are the days of Buddha and Not Yuddha. Anybody who ignores these emerging realities, would do so at one’s own peril. India has also made one thing clear that we are neutral. We stand with peace.  We need to underline and flag the lofty dictum of ‘World is One Family’ under the arrangements of the UN and other international fora. Perhaps this was the reason as to why India refrained from escalating the recent conflict with Pakistan in response to Pakistan’s terror factory. We intend to live in peace with dignity as the sons of Gautama the Buddha. PM Narendra Modi’s message on International Day of Yoga also underscores the message of peace and tranquility. “My request to the world — let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of yoga for humanity 2.0, where inner peace becomes global policy," he said.

Main Nahin Sandesh Sawarag Kalaya,

Iss Bhootal Ko Hi Savrag Banane Aiya

 

 

 

 

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please -2

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please -2

Confluence of India and Central Asia through the Ages - India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) hosted a book discussion on the book edited by Syed Akhtar Hussain ‘Confluence of India and Central Asia through the Ages’ on June 15 which was presided over by President of IICC, Salman Khurshid. The Panelists to discuss the book were eminent intellectuals, Prof Sanjiv Kumar Pandey and my senior colleagues in diplomacy, Ambassador Suresh Goel and Ambassador Sikand Tayal. Though I could not make it to the function yet my interest in the matters of India’s relations with

Central Asia motivated me to write something in this regard. It was just a co-incident that I replaced Ambassador Suresh Goel as Director of Central Asia in 1997 in the MEA and also worked with Ambassador Sikand Tayal in EE Division of MEA I 1989-91. Ambassador Tayal later served as Ambassador to Uzbekistan. It will not be irrelevant to add that I learnt quite a lot about the confluence of India and Central Asia from the audio-video tapes which were left by Ambassador Suresh Goel in the cup-board of Director (Central Asia)’s office room.

India and Central Asia share deep historical and cultural ties, with recent efforts focused on strengthening connectivity, trade, energy cooperation, and security partnerships. The two regions are seen as natural allies with a shared interest in regional stability and prosperity. We consider Central Asia as our ‘extended neighborhood’ as the border of Tajikistan is just about 10 kms. from POK which ultimately belongs to India. During my tenure as Director of the Central Asia Division of MEA, I observed that then EAM Jaswant Singh was much interested in reviving and nurturing cultural bonds with Central Asian countries. On his initiative, India observed and commemorated Bairam Khan jointly with Turkmenistan in 1999-2000. The then Couture Minister, Ananth Kumar headed the delegation for the purpose of which I was a member. PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President of Kyrgyzstan, Askar Akayev jointly released the Hindi version of the Kirghizia epic ‘Manas’ in New Delhi in 1999-2000. The songs and music of Bollywood movies are very popular in Central Asia. I witnessed this personally at a remote village of Turkmenistan at the border of Iran during my visit with a team to study rail connectivity with landlocked Central Asia through the Iranian port Bandar Abbas in 1999. Our Turkmenistan hosts arranged a lunch at the house of the village head. It was a traditional lunch spread on the carpet (Dastarkhan) in big trays (Praat) in the sitting room. I noticed that in a corner of the room there were photos of Hema Malini of the film Sita aur Geeta and of Mithun Chakarvorty of the Disco Dancer. Just to add to the pleasantness of the hospitable occasion, I asked whether they liked and enjoyed Indian films. There was a spontaneous response in Yes. The village head called the women folk of the house in and asked them to sing the famous song - Jimmy Jimmy for us. The ladies were visibly elated and so were we.

As regards the book, Confluence of India and Central Asia through the Ages is a compendium of papers presenting the colourful past and promising future of Central and South Asia. Scholars have discussed Buddhism as the leitmotif of the Silk Route, criss-crossing Asia, in this book. The volume also deals with Persian and Urdu texts which demonstrate the cultural richness of the regions. Equally good number of chapters in the book gives insight into connectivity, multilateralism, threats of terrorism to and hopes of peaceful coexistence and cooperation for India and Central Asia.

Sports Hub at Burlton Park in Jalandhar - Last week, aiming to restore Jalandhar’s legacy as the 'Sports Capital of India,' Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal laid the foundation stone for setting up of a Sports Hub at Burlton Park in Jalandhar.

The Burlton Park remained and retained its glory even after renaming it I the past as Gandhi Stadium and Bishan Singh Bedi Stadium and is still known as Burlton Park. According to some reports, the famous cricketer, Harbhajan Singh (Bhaji) who spent his formative cricketing years at the Park has been asked to suggest a new and befitting name to one of the important landmarks of Jalandhar. It has also been reported that ‘as per the historians, the Burlton Park was named after Major David Burlton, who was a British Commander and was instrumental in establishing the contemporary Jalandhar. The cricket stadium in the park used to be the venue of international-level cricket matches till 1994. Till 2006, the hockey stadium inside the park has been the venue for the India-Pakistan series. Interestingly, the Burlton Park has also been the venue for shooting of old Bollywood movies like 'Pardes' and 'Mera Gaon Mera Des' among others. The revamping of Burlton Park would include facilities for international hockey and cricket apart from other sports disciplines. It is a welcome initiative of the Government of Punjab.

The Sports Hub at Burlton Park will be a befitting recognition to the sports icons like Cricketer Lala Amar Nath and his and his worthy sons Mohinder and Surinder, Hockey Olympians Pargat Singh, Ajit

Pal Singh, Surjit Singh, Turbanator Harbhajan Bhaiji among others. Incidentally, Minister Mohinder Bhagat representative of Jalandhar in the Government is himself a leading manufacturers and exporter of sports goods. My own cherished memories of Burlton Park beginning my childhood and later an alumnus nearby Jalandhar DAV College are still intact at the back of my mind – enjoying international and national cricket matches, listening to PM Jawaharlal Nehru along with my father, participating in the National Day parades as NCC cadet etc.

Let us hope the new project to revive the glory of Burlton Park is completed well in time and does fall prey to political machinations.

Food for thought – Ambedkar Phenomena

It has been reported in the media that Statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar has been installed and unveiled in a school in Frankfurt. I quote from the social media post on the subject,

“A Historic Milestone for Global Ambedkarites 

Just yesterday, a statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who stands as a global beacon of knowledge, justice and human dignity, was officially unveiled at Goethe Public School in Frankfurt, Germany.

This is a groundbreaking moment as it marks the very first installation of Babasaheb’s statue on continental European soil, outside of the United Kingdom, where a few statues and busts already honour his legacy.

This occasion is not just a tribute to Babasaheb’s immense intellect and worldwide impact. It also serves as a powerful reminder that the Ambedkarite movement is transcending borders, resonating with international institutions dedicated to equality, rationality and education. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone who played a role in making this historic milestone a reality — educators, organizers, and the global community of Ambedkarites who are tirelessly working to advance Babasaheb’s mission.

Jai Bhim  ”

It is a matter of satisfaction to note particularly in view of the fact that some anti-social and anti-India elements both in India and abroad are trying to damage Ambedkar’s statues under one pretext or the other to promote their vested interests. More and more statues and memorials of Babasaheb Ambedkar are coming up not only in India but throughout the World

The food for thought is that ‘it is just not possible to side-line Ambedkar and his legacy. Anybody would do so at ones on peril.

Meri ada ko dawana to khair mumkin hai,

Magar nai awam ki awaj kaun rokega

 

 

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please

 

The Bits and Pieces – As I Please

I liked the caption ‘As I Please’ which was generally used by scholar diplomat, Natwar Singh, my favorite writer in his columns. I copied this style often in my blogs. With a view to beat the scorching heat of June which keeps me confined and glued to my computer in my modest study, I have decided to write a weekly blog on current topics of interest which appear in the media under the heading – The Bits and Pieces – As I Please. Here we start, please bear with me.

Hitherto Unknown attribute of Pakistan’s diplomacy and defense prowess – Former Media Advisor to PM Manmohan Singh, Sanjaya Baru in an article in the Tribune under the caption – Time to reassess, size up Pakistan has written and I quote. “The Print’s Swasti Rao, a European diplomat reminded Indians of the many strengths and capabilities of Pakistan’s air force. Apart from its hard power,

Pakistan has always enjoyed the soft power of its elite. In a highly feudal and unequal society, Pakistan’s elites continue to be groomed to interact with confidence and class with their Western interlocutors. India’s new middle class that now populates its politics and diplomacy is no match”.  These assessments by the elite of India tend to underline the defense and security strengths and capabilities of India on one side and our diplomatic take on the Pakistan’s behavior and action. Sanjaya Baru, in his own wisdom, has tried to compare and match the Pakistan’s feudal elite with the middle class of India. I am reminded of the appointment of many high-ups from the Princely States as Ambassadors and High Commissioners by PM Jawaharlal Nehru immediately after our independence in 1947 and in the run up to establish IFS to make and execute diplomacy of India. There is no need of any elite to man our diplomacy as they aid to do in Pakistan. Our middle class diplomats and our diplomatic establishment are fully capable to act and deliver. Frankly speaking, there was no need to send, to my mind, even the much hyped parliamentary delegations to tell and explain our take on the Pakistan’s terror. It should have been left to our diplomats to handle the matter as they are fully competent and able to do and deliver. It could have saved us from the unnecessary and avoidable controversies in India and also saved the public money in the larger interests of the country.

Yet another attribute in the India-US Relations – The cat is out of the bag. The more we talk of the change the things remain the same – from Richard Nixon of 1971 to Donald Trump of 2025. General    has applied salt to the proverbial wounds inflicted by President Trump in his assertions on the question of halting of military actions in the recent skirmishes between India and Pakistan. General Michael Kurilla testifying before a parliamentary committee in Washington termed Pakistan a ‘phenomenal partner’ in counter terrorism and argued in favour of strengthening ties with both India and Pakistan. President trump’s statement equated India with Pakistan and described both Modi and Sharif as "very powerful leaders, very strong leaders, good leaders, smart leaders" and registered his role in the so called ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Earlier President Trump now the Military Brass of the US has equated and hyphenated Pakistan with India. Where do we stand? Let us not waste our time and energy on emotional gestures of ‘Firm handshakes and embraces – Jaffyia Baffian’. At the end of the day no lunch is free in diplomacy. We need to be on our own. There is no other way out. We are to fight our own battle

Chupa Kar Asteen Mein Bijliyan Rakhi Hain Gardoon Ne
Anadil Bagh Ke Ghafil Na Baithen Ashiyon Mein

The sky has kept thunderbolts concealed up its sleeve
Garden’s nightingales should not slumber in their nests

 

 

 

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Desecration of Ambedkar Statues – Civil Response

 

Desecration of Ambedkar Statues – Civil Response

Babasaheb Ambedkar is a phenomenon which is both easy and hard to understand with the changing political and socio-cultural landscape of the country. On one hand more and more statues/busts/memorials of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar are coming up not only in India but also abroad. It is gratifying to know that many cities and provinces in the UK, the USA and Canada among others have proclaimed April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as Dr.
B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality. During the life time of Babasaheb Ambedkar neither the governments of the day and nor the socio-cultural outfits and their leaderships accepted and accommodated Babasaheb, one of the greatest sons of contemporary India. With the pleasant political fallout of the Constitution of India, thoughtfully made and adopted by our forefathers led by Babasaheb Ambedkar himself, the political leadership started to understand the importance of the icon in 1970s onwards. Babu Kanshi Ram dragged Babasaheb Ambedkar from the academic and intellectual realm to the social grassroots of the country. By now Ambedkar has become a much sought after entity not only in the corridors of power but also a ‘not to be ignored’ personality in the socio-political circles of the country. The paradox of the emerging situation is that the upper crust of the caste-ridden society and their political outfits still, it seems, have their reservations in accepting Babasaheb Ambedkar and giving him the space he deserved. That is why I said that it is both easy and difficult to understand the iconic figure, Babasaheb Ambedkar.

My immediate provocation to write emanated from the current news about desecration of the statues of Ambedkar in Punjab. Though this kind of anti-social activities had been taking place in other parts of the country as the
empowerment of dalits, brought out by Babasaheb and the Constitution of India,  is not digestible easily by the Thekedars of the society suffering from Manuwadi thinking yet it is time to study and understand the reasons and motivations of vested interests like Pannus and others to execute their nefarious agenda against India that is Bharat under the guise and pretext of Ambedkar’ Constitution and shatter the social fabric of not only Punjab but beyond.

The recent events of desecration of statues of Ambedkar at various sites in both urban and rural areas of Punjab publically owned by the likes of Pannus and some extremists and separatists belonging to the Sikh community is increasingly becoming worrisome and matter of concern. It must be stopped and checked immediately both by the authorities and also by the socio-cultural outfits like SGPC, RSS, Dera Beas, Dera Ram Rahim Singh, Dera
Nirankar, inter alia and also the civil society at large. Unfortunately, what has been noticed so far is that only dalits and their socio-cultural outfits have been criticizing and challenging the anti-social and anti-national activities and agenda of the vested interests as if Babasaheb belonged to them alone and not to ‘We the people of India’. According to the media reports some dalit activists belonging to SAD (A) and Congress Party and also of BJP have joined the protests with regard to Nangal-Phillour desecration a few days ago.

The political parties who fall on each other to own Ambedkar and his legacy to attract vote banks and the civil society belonging to the so called Swarans (upper castes) should come out and challenge the anti-social and anti-national elements. It is needed not only to maintain the law and order at the affected areas but also to save the socio-political edifice of Bharat. Sitting on the fence and claim Babasaheb for selfish ends is not the answer. As regards the law abiding followers of Babasaheb they have made their resolve public and rightly so in the Punjabi folk lore which is getting viral – Jo Butt Babasaheb Da Todu; ohdian Lattan Todage; Jo Butt Ambedkar Da Todu Ohdian Bahvan Todange – Jo Butt Bhim Rao Da Todu Ohdi Dhaoun Marodange.

I conclude this off the cuff piece with a poetic assertion of Allama Iqbal for the benefit of the Thekedars of the society –

 मस्जिद तो बना दी शब भर में ईमान की हरकत वालों ने
मन अपना पुराना पापी है, बरसों में नमाजी बन ना सका

इकबाल बड़ा उपदेशक है, मन बातों में मोह लेता है
गुफ्तार का ये गाजी तो बना, किरदार का गाजी बन ना सका

In pursuance of the proposal on International Day of Equality

 

In pursuance of the proposal on International Day of Equality

Though I am not fond of too many rituals yet one ritual which I religiously do over the years since June, 2015 is reminding the GOI and other stake holders of the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar as International Day of Equality. Keeping in line with the increasing stock of Ambedkar and his Thought, rightly so, the proposal has been taken seriously by the people of foreign countries and has declared the day as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Day of Equality but GOI is still shying away and keeping quite due to reasons not understandable. Let it be and I do my bit in doing the ritual as usual. I last wrote on the subject in March, 2025 which may be seen at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2025/03/indias-soft-and-cultural-diplomacy.html

Having tried to cajole all the possible centers of powers who can and should help the matter, I thought of writing to the young blood of the NDA Government who, I understand, professes to be an Ambedkarite, Minister Chirag Paswan to fall in the shoes of his worthy father, Ram Vilas Paswan. Ram Vilas Paswan did many positive things to honour Babasaheb, to pay his debt of gratitude,

during his life time which, inter alia, include; Bharat Ratan to Babasaheb, Babasaheb’s statue at Parliament Complex and Holiday on Babasaheb birthday on April 14 among others. It is not a partisan issue. I solicit all round support to the proposal and urge the GOI spearheaded by PM Narendra Modi to understand the importance and sensitivity of the matter. There is writing on the walls of the Indian households which I can read clearly - Nobody can ignore Ambedkar for long.

I append below my humble letter of My 29, 2025 to Hon’ble Minister Chirag Paswan with copies to EAM, Dr. S. Jaishankar and Principal Secretary to PM, Shri P.K. Misra for the benefit of the people t large.

IK Tarze Tagafil Hai So Woh Unko Mubarak

IK Arze Tammana Hai Woh Hum Karte Rahange

 

Text of the letter dated May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Respected Minister Chirag Paswan Sahib,

Though I wrote to you earlier too with regard to the proposal on April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality under the aegis of the UN yet I don’t know whether you are aware of the matter or no. Since I find and appreciate you and your position that can carry forward the proposal to its logical conclusion being a competent and vocal leader of India who may understand the importance and desirability of the proposal pertaining to Babasaheb Ambedkar. By supporting the proposal you would not only be justifying your position and involvement in the empowerment of the marginalized sections of the society and their icon, Babasaheb but also be doing a bit in following the legacy of your worthy father, Ram Vilas Paswan, an ardent follower of Babasaheb Ambedkar, one of the biggest sons of contemporary India.

The proposal on International Day of Equality is resting with the GOI (MEA/PMO) since June, 2015 when GOI decided to observe and celebrate the 125^th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar. It was duly acknowledged by the UNEP Division of MEA vide their letter date August , 2015, attached for ready reference. The proposal was taken by the Forum of SC MPs under the leadership of then Punjab Speaker, Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal to PM Narendra Modi in a Memorandum submitted through a delegation, of which your honourable father Ram Vilas Paswan was a member in November, 2015. Accordingly, for the first time, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, April 14, was celebrated at the UN in New York. Sardar Charanjit Singh Atwal headed a specially assembled delegation to the celebrations in New York in April, 2016. He raised the matter for the consideration of the international community in his speech which was overwhelmingly supported and endorsed by the UN and other countries. On return Sardar Atwal wrote to PM Modi in May, 2016 and urged him and the GOI to make an official and diplomatic demarche to UN with regard to the proposal on International Day of Equality, attached for ready reference. Since then, I have been following up the matter religiously with the MEA/PMO and others including the high-ups in the BJP and RSS hierarchy. But nothing much has moved visibly except yet another acknowledgement from MEA in   September, 2024, attached for ready reference.

I may add that it is a matter of gratification to note that many states and cities in the USA, the UK, and Canada among others, supporting the proposal, have proclaimed April 14, birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as Day of Equality in their respective areas. It could be possible because of whole hearted support and persuasion of the Indian Diasporas and followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar throughout the world.  Why the GOI is blissfully silent on the proposal? It is difficult to understand.

All said and done and to cut the story short, it is my gut feeling that the proposal on International Day of Equality is hanging fire only because of political considerations. So far, I have tried my best to avoid making it an issue of political rivalry and slugfest. My basic arguments in favour of the proposal have been – empowerment of the marginalized sections of the society (dalits and women), strengthening of India’s Soft and Cultural diplomacy like the International Day of Yoga and International Day of Non-violence (October 2, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi) and realization of the lofty ideals of the UN in bring about an Equitable World Order.

Kindly look into these submissions and consider for taking an appropriate view and take up the matter with PM Narendra Modi and other stakeholders in the GOI. I am confident, Sir, you would honour the legacy of your father, Ram Vilas Paswan in getting  due and honourable space to Babasaheb Ambedkar which he deserved in anyway.

With my highest considerations and regards,

Yours truly,

(Ramesh Chander)

Shri Chirag Paswan,

Minister for Food Processing,

New Delhi

 

Copy: -

1. Dr. S. Jaishankar, EAM, New Delhi

2. Principal Secretary to PM, New Delhi