<<–2/”>a >u>Cultural diplomacy is a specified form of diplomacy that encourages a deliberate effort of cultural exchange. It facilitates the understanding of foreign cultural dynamics. Itis exchange of ideas, information, art, lifestyles, value systems, traditions, beliefs another aspects of cultures.
The Indian Diaspora is a generic term to describe the people who migrated from territories that are currently within the borders of the Republic of India. It also refers to their descendants. The Diaspora is currently estimated to number over twenty million. composed of “NRIs” (Indian citizens not residing in India) and “PIOs” (Persons of Indian Origin who have acquired the Citizenship-2/”>Citizenship of some other country). The Diaspora covers practically every part of the world. It numbers more than a million each in eleven countries, while as many as twenty-two countries have concentrations of at least a hundred thousand ethnic Indians.
Cultural diplomacy can be defined as a track II, non-conventional diplomatic practice, aimed at identifying cultural patterns of behavior as well as the commonalities of two or more competing groups in order to find a common ground of dialogue, while preserving culturally sensitive aspects.
Alternatively, Cultural diplomacy can be defined as “the exchange of ideas, information, art and other aspects of culture among nations and their peoples to foster mutual understanding”.
Cultural diplomacy includes exchanges between people in different countries, through which individuals are able to visit foreign countries and learn about the culture and Society of the foreign country. It includes the study of another country’s language, traditions, and lifestyle. Culture is an exceedingly broad term, thus contributing to the vast range of areas that fall under the definition of cultural diplomacy. For instance, culture includes literature, the arts in general, customs, habits and traditions, humans’ behavior, history, music, folklore, gestures, and social relationships. Thus, any interaction or exchange between the people of two countries in any of these areas is considered cultural diplomacy, as is the study of these fields as they exist in a foreign country.
Independent India recognised the importance of cultural diplomacy, as an instrument for people to people connectivity. Ministries of External Affairs and Culture share the responsibility for promoting cultural diplomacy. India has signed 126 bilateral cultural agreements and is currently implementing 58 Cultural Exchange Programmes with other countries. Bilateral Agreements, however, are not prerequisite for the conduct of cultural diplomacy.
To achieve this objective, India set up a nodal body, called the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in 1950. Since its creation, ICCR has used a number of instrumentalities, like Cultural Centres, Festivals of India, Chairs of Indian Studies, etc. in promoting not only cultural but broader linkages with countries across the world.
In an endeavour to strengthen its relationship with Southeast Asia, India has actively used culture as an important instrument of its Look East Policy (LEP). Unlike in the past when cultural diplomacy was largely viewed as India’s veiled effort towards cultural dominance, the renewed thrust on the cultural diplomacy has received genuine appreciation from Southeast Asian countries.
The Indian government has taken a number of policy initiatives in order to engage this diaspora. The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, begun in 2003, is held every year in January. The Indian government is also working towards setting up a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) University in India and India Development Foundation, which can facilitate the development of human Resources.
India has signed formal cultural agreements with almost every Southeast Asian country.
The major thrust of India’s cultural diplomacy is fostering better trade and economic relations and at the political level. The important aspect includes –
- Know India Program – To help familiarize Indian Diaspora youth, in the age group of 18-26 years, with developments and achievements made by the country and bringing them closer to the land of their ancestors. KIP provides a unique forum for students and young professionals of Indian Origin to visit India, share their views, expectations and experiences and to develop closer Bonds with the contemporary India.
- Annual “Pravasi Divas” – To connect India to its vast Indian Diaspora and bring their knowledge, expertise and skills on a common platform.
- “Brand India” image as part of its outreach to a global audience.
- Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) –The ICWA organizes events, including organization of Academic Conferences.
- Religion –The emphasis is on spiritualism rather than on religion per se, on Yoga/”>Yoga, vegetarian food, meditation and mental peace.
- Indian films
- Indian Music and dance
,
Cultural Diplomacy
Cultural diplomacy is the art of using culture to promote understanding and cooperation between countries. It can be used to build relationships, promote trade, and resolve conflict.
The history of cultural diplomacy can be traced back to the ancient world, when empires would send emissaries to other countries to spread their culture and values. In the modern era, cultural diplomacy has become increasingly important as a tool of Foreign Policy.
There are many different types of cultural diplomacy, including:
- Exchange programs: These programs allow people from different countries to live and work together, which can help to build understanding and Tolerance.
- Cultural events: These events, such as festivals and concerts, can showcase the culture of a country to the world.
- Education: By teaching people about other cultures, education can help to promote understanding and tolerance.
- Media: The media can be used to promote understanding and tolerance by reporting on different cultures in a positive Light.
There are many tools that can be used for cultural diplomacy, including:
- Art: Art can be used to express the values and beliefs of a culture.
- Music: Music can be used to connect people from different cultures.
- Food: Food can be a way to share culture and traditions.
- Language: Learning a new language can help people to understand another culture.
There are many challenges to cultural diplomacy, including:
- Language barriers: Language barriers can make it difficult to communicate with people from other cultures.
- Cultural differences: Cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
- Political instability: Political instability can make it difficult to conduct cultural diplomacy.
- Economic inequality: Economic inequality can make it difficult for people from poor countries to participate in cultural diplomacy.
Despite the challenges, cultural diplomacy can be a very effective tool of foreign policy. It can help to build relationships, promote trade, and resolve conflict.
Indian Diaspora
The Indian diaspora is the global community of people of Indian origin. It is the largest diaspora in the world, with over 200 million people living outside of India.
The Indian diaspora has a long and rich history. The first Indians to migrate to other countries were traders and merchants who traveled to Southeast Asia and the Middle East in the 1st century AD. In the 16th century, The Portuguese and the British began to colonize India, and many Indians were forced to migrate to their colonies. After India gained independence in 1947, millions of Indians migrated to other countries in search of better opportunities.
The Indian diaspora is a diverse community. People of Indian origin can be found in all parts of the world, and they come from all walks of life. They are united by their common Indian heritage, but they also have a wide range of cultural and religious beliefs.
The Indian diaspora has made significant contributions to the countries in which they live. They have helped to build economies, develop businesses, and promote cultural understanding. They have also played a key role in the development of India itself.
The Indian diaspora faces a number of challenges. They often experience discrimination and prejudice. They may also have difficulty adjusting to a new culture and language. However, the Indian diaspora is a resilient community, and they have overcome many challenges in the past.
The future of the Indian diaspora is bright. The Indian economy is growing rapidly, and there are many opportunities for people of Indian origin to return to India and contribute to its development. The Indian diaspora will continue to play a vital role in the world, and they will continue to make significant contributions to the countries in which they live.
What is cultural diplomacy?
Cultural diplomacy is the use of art, music, literature, and other forms of culture to promote understanding and goodwill between countries. It can be used to build relationships, promote trade, and resolve conflict.
What is the Indian diaspora?
The Indian diaspora is the global community of people of Indian origin. It is the largest diaspora in the world, with over 200 million people living outside of India. The Indian diaspora is spread across all continents, and has a significant impact on the economies and cultures of the countries in which it lives.
What are some examples of India’s cultural diplomacy?
India has a long history of cultural diplomacy. Some examples of India’s cultural diplomacy include:
- The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is an organization that promotes Indian culture and education abroad. The ICCR organizes cultural events, such as dance and music performances, and provides scholarships for foreign students to study in India.
- The Indian Film Festival of America (IFFA) is an annual film festival that showcases Indian Cinema. The IFFA has been held in major cities across the United States since 1992.
- The Nehru Centre is a cultural center in London that promotes Indian culture and art. The Nehru Centre organizes exhibitions, lectures, and other events on Indian culture.
What are some of the benefits of India’s cultural diplomacy?
India’s cultural diplomacy has a number of benefits. It can help to build relationships between India and other countries, promote trade, and resolve conflict. Cultural diplomacy can also help to promote Indian culture and values around the world.
What are some of the challenges of India’s cultural diplomacy?
India’s cultural diplomacy faces a number of challenges. One challenge is the lack of funding. The Indian government does not provide enough funding for cultural diplomacy programs. Another challenge is the lack of awareness of Indian culture in other countries. Many people in other countries are not familiar with Indian culture, and this can make it difficult to promote Indian culture through cultural diplomacy.
What are some of the future trends in India’s cultural diplomacy?
India’s cultural diplomacy is likely to continue to grow in the future. The Indian government is increasing its funding for cultural diplomacy programs, and there is a growing awareness of Indian culture in other countries. This means that India’s cultural diplomacy is likely to have a greater impact on the world in the future.
India’s cultural diplomacy is aimed at:
(a) Promoting Indian culture and values abroad
(b) Attracting foreign Investment into India
(c) Promoting tourism to India
(d) All of the aboveThe Indian diaspora is the largest in the world, with over 200 million people living outside India. The diaspora has a significant impact on India’s economy, culture, and politics. Which of the following is NOT a way in which the Indian diaspora has impacted India?
(a) The diaspora has sent Remittances back to India, which have helped to boost the economy.
(b) The diaspora has promoted Indian culture and values abroad.
(c) The diaspora has lobbied for India’s interests in foreign countries.
(d) The diaspora has been a source of political instability in India.The following are some of the challenges facing India’s cultural diplomacy:
(a) The lack of a unified cultural identity
(b) The lack of resources
(c) The lack of coordination between different government agencies
(d) All of the aboveThe following are some of the opportunities for India’s cultural diplomacy:
(a) The growing interest in Indian culture and values abroad
(b) The increasing number of Indian students studying abroad
(c) The increasing number of Indian companies investing abroad
(d) All of the aboveThe following are some of the ways in which India can improve its cultural diplomacy:
(a) Develop a unified cultural identity
(b) Increase resources for cultural diplomacy
(c) Improve coordination between different government agencies
(d) All of the above