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