India has long been a hub of higher education, given its status as one of the world's oldest civilizations. Historically, the Indus Valley Civilization placed great importance on universities and libraries. Among the most renowned ancient institutions in India-and among the oldest universities globally-were Takshashila (Taxila) and Nalanda. Nalanda, founded in the 5th century AD in Bihar, India, flourished until around 1200 AD. It focused on Buddhist studies and educated students in a wide range of subjects, including fine arts, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, politics, and military strategy. Takshashila, located in ancient Gandhara, was an early center for Hindu and Buddhist learning.

Today, India draws students from a diverse range of countries, including Afghanistan, Africa, China, Japan, the Maldives, Canada, France, Iran, Iraq, Germany, Australia, the UK, the USA, and beyond. This remarkable educational development is coupled with relatively lower tuition fees compared to Western countries. Additionally, India has achieved significant advancements in medical research and software engineering, providing skilled professionals to Europe at competitive rates.

The world benefits greatly from the contributions of ancient India, including the profound impact of Vedic civilizations. India's cultural legacy includes the spread of Buddhism, introduced by the Buddha, whose teachings have influenced global culture. The country has a rich tradition of pluralism and respect for diversity, exemplified by notable figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and Mahatma Gandhi. Indian culture-reflected in its art, languages, literature, festivals, and practices-continues to be shaped by the timeless Buddhist teachings and the philosophy of non-violence championed by Gandhi.

The True Image of Indian Reality

As a wise person once said:
"A man worth his salt must prove that his pen is mightier than his sword." The influence of Indian education and culture on the world has been profound and enduring, reaching back to ancient times. Understanding the concept of "soft power," a term coined by Harvard scholar Joseph Nye, involves recognizing the ability to attract nations through cultural and political values. This concept is a result of extensive educational efforts and government initiatives. The evolution of education represents a form of open diplomacy and foreign policy designed to influence others.

In today's information age, it's not merely military strength that defines a nation's power. India has evolved from a land of sages and ascetics into a strategic hub of mathematical brilliance and technological expertise. For instance, India's significant contribution to global research and development is evident, with Indian CEOs like Satya Nadella leading major companies like Microsoft. Though often perceived as physically impoverished, India's psychological richness and democratic and political pluralism are its strengths. Historically, India has provided refuge to various communities, including Jews fleeing Babylonian destruction and Tibetans seeking sanctuary under the Dalai Lama.

India stands as a beacon of peace and a model of democracy and legal rights for neighboring countries. It is a nation where intellectual pursuit has always been valued. The true celebration of India lies not in its military might or economic power but in its rich knowledge base and innovative spirit. India's progress is reflected in its rapid economic growth, with projections indicating it will become the third-largest economy by 2030, surpassing China and the USA, with a projected GDP of $30 trillion. Additionally, India boasts the world's largest postal network and ranks as the 19th largest exporter and 10th largest importer.

A notable achievement is India's Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan, which successfully completed a 400-million-kilometer journey to Mars, making India the first Asian country and the fourth globally to reach the red planet. Looking to the future, we hope India will gain permanent membership in the UN Security Council, contributing to regional peace and stability.

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)

Reflecting on the impact of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, it is fitting to recognize his pivotal role in shaping modern India. Azad, a distinguished scholar, poet, and key figure in the Indian independence movement, left a profound legacy in the field of education. As the first Minister of Education in independent India, he was instrumental in the development of primary and secondary education, as well as in promoting scientific and higher education.

His vision led to the establishment of numerous significant institutions, including the Sahitya Akademi, the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Lalit Kala Akademi, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). His efforts were crucial in founding esteemed institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, which continue to be prestigious centers of higher learning.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the nation, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was posthumously awarded India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1992. One of his major contributions was the creation of the ICCR on April 9, 1950.

The Council was established with several key objectives:

1. to actively engage in developing strategies and training programs,
2. to enhance and solidify cultural relations and mutual understanding,
3. to promote cultural exchanges with other countries and peoples,
4. to build and sustain relationships with nations around the world.

Cultural understanding is crucial in appreciating the rich diversity that defines our world. By fostering cultural linkages, the ICCR has played a central role in strengthening people-to-people connections and creating an environment of lasting peace and harmony. The Council has been instrumental in connecting global audiences with Indian culture through a variety of events and exchanges. It organizes cultural festivals both within India and internationally, and supports a wide range of activities related to Indian culture, including dance, music, yoga, languages, and cuisine, through its Indian Cultural Centres.

The ICCR's efforts extend to organizing essay writing competitions and promoting discussions on contemporary issues, thus enriching the global appreciation of Indian culture. For decades, the Council has effectively utilized its resources to enhance India's historical and cultural profile, bolstering its cultural diplomacy and foreign policy. According to Article 51 of the Indian Constitution, the state is committed to promoting international peace and security, maintaining just relations between nations, respecting international law, and encouraging the peaceful resolution of disputes through arbitration. The ICCR embodies these principles through its cultural diplomacy and international engagement.

The ICCR undertakes several major initiatives to enhance global understanding of Indian culture, which can be broadly categorized as follows:

• Hosting Indian Cultural Delegations and Festivals Abroad: This includes sponsoring visits of Indian cultural delegations to other countries and organizing Indian Festivals internationally.
• Welcoming Foreign Cultural Groups and Festivals in India: This involves hosting international cultural troupes and cultural festivals within India.
• Art and Craft Exhibitions: Organizing exhibitions of Indian art and craft both within India and internationally.
• Gifting Iconic Figures' Busts and Statues: Providing busts and statues of prominent Indian figures to institutions overseas.
• Promoting Yoga and International Day of Yoga: Supporting the practice of yoga and celebrating International Yoga Day globally.
• Annual Lecture Series: Conducting annual lectures such as the Deen Dayal Upadhaya Memorial Oration to commemorate World Culture Day on May 21.
• Promoting Indian Languages and Literature: Advancing the study of Indian languages, particularly Hindi and Sanskrit, and promoting Indian literature abroad.

The ICCR is also committed to enhancing international educational relations through various scholarship schemes. These include:

1. General Scholarship Scheme (GSS): Offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholarships to students from Asian and Latin American countries.
2. Specific Scholarships: Includes schemes like the Bangladesh Scholarship Scheme, Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme, Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme, and CEP/EEP Scholarship Scheme.

The Indian government, through the Ministry of External Affairs, provides additional scholarships under several schemes, such as:

• Silver Jubilee Scholarship Scheme: MEA
• AYUSH Scholarship Scheme for BIMSTEC Countries: MEA
• Aid-to-Maldives Scholarship Scheme: MEA
• Mekong Ganga Co-operation Scholarship Scheme: MEA
• Afghan Scholarship Scheme: MEA
• Africa Scholarship Scheme: MEA
• Aid-to-Mongolia Scholarship Scheme: MEA
• Nehru Memorial Scholarship Scheme: MEA
• Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme: MEA
• Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme: MEA
• India Scholarship (Bangladesh) Scheme: MEA
• Aid-to-Bhutan Scholarship Scheme: MEA
• AYUSH Scholarships for Non-BIMSTEC Countries, Malaysian Nationals, and South East Asian Region (SEAR) Countries: MEA
• Scholarships for Children/Dependents of Afghan Nationals in Defence & Security Forces: MEA
• Scholarship for Wards of Border Guard Bangladesh: MEA

These programs reflect a robust commitment to fostering educational and cultural exchange between India and other nations.

This is an excellent opportunity to highlight India's rich, enduring culture and remarkable diversity. The ICCR actively participates in significant festivals such as the Cervantino Festival, Janadriyah – the annual National Heritage and Cultural Festival, the Golden Jubilee of Indo-Bhutan Diplomatic Relations, and the 70th Anniversary of India-Nepal Diplomatic Ties. Looking ahead, the ICCR plans to sponsor numerous cultural groups to participate in major events, including the "Glimpses of India Festival" in Egypt, the "SEA Festival" in Cambodia, and the "Tiranga Festival" in Senegal, which will coincide with Republic Day and Holi Utsav celebrations.

Moreover, the ICCR has established itself as a prominent representative of India's cultural presence on the global stage. One notable initiative is the Little Guru App, an online Sanskrit learning tool. Sanskrit, an ancient language integral to Indian culture and traditions, is a gateway to understanding India's rich heritage. The app offers various levels of Sanskrit instruction, from basic alphabets to advanced reading and writing, reflecting the language's depth and significance. Sanskrit is noted for its extensive classical literature, which encompasses a vast range of subjects, including mathematics, philosophy, grammar, music, politics, medicine, architecture, metallurgy, drama, poetry, and storytelling. This literature spans thousands of years and was produced by individuals across different religions, social backgrounds, and regions of India.

Sanskrit, with its roots in the Vedas, has influenced many fields and continues to be a vital cultural expression. The Adikavya Ramayana, composed by Valmiki in Sanskrit, is a testament to the language's rich literary tradition, featuring profound imagery, idioms, and wisdom. India's classical languages, such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia, also boast vibrant literary traditions. Additionally, literature in Pali, Persian, and Prakrit is equally important and should be preserved for future generations.

As India progresses, future generations will continue to engage with and benefit from its extensive classical literature. The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, outlined in Articles 344(1) and 351, recognizes official languages, highlighting the diverse linguistic landscape of the country. While some languages were initially included in the constitution, others have been added over time. Today, India's cultural influence can be seen worldwide, a reflection of its rich heritage and global impact.

Soft Power
The concept of "soft power" was introduced by Joseph Nye in 1990 in his book "Bound to Lead: The Changing Nature of American Power." Since then, the importance of this concept has grown significantly, capturing the attention of numerous international politics scholars. Nye defines soft power as the ability of a country to achieve its objectives in global politics because other nations admire its values, seek to emulate its example, aspire to its level of prosperity and openness, and wish to align with it. Unlike hard power, which relies on coercion through military force or economic sanctions, soft power is based on influencing others' preferences through attraction and persuasion.

The development of soft power in international relations has particular relevance for developing countries, including India. It directly impacts India's foreign policy strategies and options. India's aspirations for a prominent leadership role in the 21st century are closely tied to aspects of its society and culture that the world finds appealing. Although these cultural assets may not immediately persuade others to support India, they significantly enhance its intangible reputation on the global stage.

India's soft power position is notably strong in certain areas and holds considerable potential in others. The Indian diaspora is a key component of India's soft power, serving as a significant asset. India's cultural and civilizational heritage, its vibrant democracy, free media, largely independent judiciary, dynamic civil society, and its historical struggle for human rights since independence contribute to its global attractiveness. Additionally, India's largely nonviolent path to overcoming colonialism has served as an inspiring example for freedom movements and newly independent nations during the 1950s and 1960s.

Diversity India
The legendary land of seers, sages, spiritual leaders, and healers has long served as a guiding light for the West. Renowned for its immense cultural influence, India has made a significant impact on the world for centuries. The country's cultural richness is reflected in its myriad traditions, languages, religions, and rituals, which provide depth and vibrancy. Today, Indian spirituality continues to draw people from across the globe. As diverse cultures both within India and worldwide thrive, the ICCR's role is a source of great pride and satisfaction. The ICCR plays a crucial role in enhancing and reinforcing the connections between India and other nations.

Vibrant Indian Diaspora

The vibrant Indian Diaspora is making significant contributions to the spread of Indian culture. With over 30 million Indians living abroad, this global community includes Nobel Laureates, Booker Prize winners, Emmy Award recipients, distinguished physicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, IT professionals, artists, and spiritual leaders. Members of the diaspora excel in various fields, including successful businesspeople, admired educators, astronauts, and prominent celebrities. For instance, India's substantial human resources are integral to major Research & Development hubs like NASA and Google, exemplified by figures such as Sathya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.

Indian music and Bollywood dance have transcended national borders, gaining popularity worldwide. Countries such as Turkey, Russia, and several Gulf nations feature Indian films and dramas on dedicated channels, often in dubbed versions. Bollywood, as a key aspect of India's soft power, not only helps the Indian Diaspora remain connected to their cultural roots but also fosters interest in Indian culture among people in host countries. Festivals like Diwali and Holi are even celebrated in some of these countries, reflecting the growing appreciation for Indian traditions.

Yoga
Yoga provides a pathway to explore and understand the spiritual essence of India and is deeply intertwined with the country's culture and heritage. The term "yoga," derived from Sanskrit, means "to unite" and represents a healthy way of living. People both from India and abroad turn to yoga and meditation to relieve stress and rejuvenate their minds. As a treasured legacy of India's ancient traditions, yoga represents the integration of mind and body, thought and action, self-discipline and fulfillment, and harmony between humans and nature. It promotes a holistic approach to health and well-being, focusing on achieving a sense of unity with oneself, the world, and one's own identity. Alongside Ayurveda, yoga has come to symbolize India internationally, reflecting the nation's core value of unity in diversity.

The doctrine of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has evolved into a central theme in India's diplomatic approach, applicable in various contexts. Although it can be interpreted in multiple ways, it generally represents India's idealistic and progressive vision of global norms, globalization, and shared global interests. This concept implies that achieving a perfect world is a feasible goal through negotiation and cooperation. India is actively working to promote this vision of unity through Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. From Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi, Indian leaders have frequently referenced this phrase, meaning "the world is one family," derived from the Maha Upanishad, to illustrate India's global perspective. The term has become a key element of India's diplomatic language.

Non-violence

One of the most renowned leaders of non-violent resistance was Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948), who challenged British colonial rule in India during the 20th century. Gandhi adapted the religious principle of ahimsa (non-harm), shared by Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, into a powerful tool for mass action. He employed this principle not only to oppose colonial rule but also to address social injustices such as racial discrimination and untouchability. He termed this approach "satyagraha," or "truth force," which involves using non-violent means to transform opponents, win their hearts and minds, and persuade them to accept one's perspective. Gandhi believed that satyagraha was not a method for the weak, but rather a powerful tool for the strong, as it involves no violence and is grounded in truth.

Non-violent protest methods include peaceful demonstrations, sit-ins, picketing, vigils, fasting, hunger strikes, strike blockades, and civil disobedience. According to Gandhi, non-violence is a force that can be embraced by everyone-children, adults, and the elderly-provided they have a genuine belief in the God of Love and a deep respect for all humanity. He asserted that non-violence should permeate one's entire being and not be limited to isolated acts. Gandhi viewed non-violence as a dynamic and supreme force, a reflection of the divine power within us. Despite numerous invasions over 3000 years of Indian history, India has never attempted to conquer another nation, a testament to the respect Indians have for others' freedom.

Epilogue
India has adopted a soft power strategy through innovative initiatives based on the principles of 'non-reciprocity,' 'connectivity,' and 'asymmetrical responsibilities,' reflecting its preference for leveraging economic influence over coercive military tactics. Since 1980, India has increased its political engagement with various regional institutions to strengthen cultural and economic ties.

Key examples include the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), aimed at fostering regional cooperation and development; the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme, focused on addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable development; the South Asian Economic Union, which enhances economic integration among South Asian nations; and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), designed to improve regional connectivity and collaboration.

Through these efforts, India strives to create a stable and cooperative regional environment, emphasizing peaceful relations with its neighbors. Additionally, India's foreign policy recognizes the need to address global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and food security, which require international cooperation. By actively participating in global efforts to address these issues, India aims to support its own development while contributing to broader global solutions.

Written By:

• Mrs. Ushadevi., Research Scholar Karnatak State Open Univesity, Mysore.
• Ms. Syeda Taskeen, Student at School of Law, University of Mysore
• Ms. Nasima Esazada, Member of Organisation of Green Future, Afghanistan