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India's Cultural diplomacy and Indian Diaspora
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 –
1. 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.
2. Annual “Pravasi Divas” – To connect India to its vast Indian Diaspora and bring their knowledge, expertise and skills on a common platform.
3. “Brand India” image as part of its outreach to a global audience.
4. Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) – The ICWA organizes events, including organization of Academic Conferences.
5. Religion – The emphasis is on spiritualism rather than on religion per se, on Yoga/”>Yoga, vegetarian food, meditation and mental peace.
6. Indian films
7. Indian Music and dance
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India’s cultural diplomacy has a long and rich history. The first recorded instance of Indian cultural diplomacy dates back to the Mauryan Empire (321-185 BCE), when Emperor Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to spread the message of peace and non-violence throughout Asia. In the centuries that followed, India continued to engage in cultural diplomacy through the arts, literature, and religion.
In the 20th century, India’s cultural diplomacy took on a new form with the establishment of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in 1950. The ICCR is a government organization that promotes Indian culture and values through a variety of programs, including scholarships, fellowships, and cultural exchanges.
In recent years, India’s cultural diplomacy has become increasingly sophisticated and globalized. The Indian government has launched a number of initiatives to promote Indian culture and values around the world, including the “Brand India” campaign and the “India@75” initiative. These initiatives have helped to raise India’s profile on the global stage and have made Indian culture more accessible to people around the world.
The Indian diaspora is a large and diverse group of people who have their roots in India. The diaspora is spread out all over the world, with significant populations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.
The Indian diaspora has played a significant role in India’s cultural diplomacy. The diaspora has helped to promote Indian culture and values through their participation in cultural events, their support for Indian arts and literature, and their contributions to Indian-themed businesses.
The Indian diaspora has also been a source of soft power for India. The diaspora has helped to create a positive image of India around the world and has made Indian culture more accessible to people around the globe.
India’s cultural diplomacy faces a number of challenges. One challenge is the perception of India as a poor and developing country. This perception can make it difficult for India to compete with other countries that are seen as more developed and sophisticated.
Another challenge is the lack of awareness of Indian culture and values around the world. This lack of awareness can make it difficult for India to promote its culture and values to people around the globe.
Despite these challenges, India’s cultural diplomacy has a bright future. The Indian government is committed to promoting Indian culture and values around the world, and the Indian diaspora is a powerful force for good. With continued effort, India can achieve its goal of becoming a leading cultural power in the world.
The future of India’s cultural diplomacy is bright. The Indian government is committed to promoting Indian culture and values around the world, and the Indian diaspora is a powerful force for good. With continued effort, India can achieve its goal of becoming a leading cultural power in the world.
What is cultural diplomacy?
Cultural diplomacy is the use of culture to promote understanding and goodwill between countries. It can be used to build relationships, promote trade, and encourage tourism.
What are some examples of cultural diplomacy?
Some examples of cultural diplomacy include:
- Exhibitions: Countries can share their art, music, and other cultural artifacts with other countries through exhibitions.
- Performances: Countries can send their musicians, dancers, and other performers to other countries to perform.
- Scholarships: Countries can offer scholarships to students from other countries to study in their country.
- Language programs: Countries can offer language programs to help people from other countries learn their language.
- Tourism: Countries can promote tourism to their country by highlighting its cultural attractions.
What are the benefits of cultural diplomacy?
There are many benefits to cultural diplomacy. It can help to:
- Build relationships: Cultural diplomacy can help to build relationships between countries by promoting understanding and goodwill.
- Promote trade: Cultural diplomacy can help to promote trade between countries by exposing people to each other’s cultures and products.
- Encourage tourism: Cultural diplomacy can encourage tourism to a country by highlighting its cultural attractions.
- Increase understanding: Cultural diplomacy can increase understanding between people from different cultures by promoting cross-cultural exchange.
- Promote peace: Cultural diplomacy can promote peace by reducing tensions between countries and building bridges between people of different cultures.
What are the challenges of cultural diplomacy?
There are some challenges to cultural diplomacy. It can be difficult to:
- Measure success: It can be difficult to measure the success of cultural diplomacy because it is often a long-term process.
- Avoid stereotypes: Cultural diplomacy can sometimes reinforce stereotypes about other cultures if it is not done carefully.
- Be inclusive: Cultural diplomacy should be inclusive of all cultures, not just the dominant culture.
- Be respectful: Cultural diplomacy should be respectful of other cultures and avoid imposing one’s own culture on others.
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.
What are the contributions of the Indian diaspora?
The Indian diaspora has made significant contributions to the countries in which they live. They have helped to build economies, promote Education, and advance social Justice.
What are some challenges faced by the Indian diaspora?
The Indian diaspora faces some challenges, including discrimination, racism, and lack of representation in government.
What is the future of the Indian diaspora?
The future of the Indian diaspora is bright. The Indian diaspora is growing and becoming more diverse. It is playing an increasingly important role in the world economy and in global affairs.
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India’s cultural diplomacy is aimed at:
(A) Promoting India’s culture and values abroad
(B) Attracting foreign Investment into India
(C) Countering negative perceptions of India abroad
(D) All of the above -
The Indian diaspora is the largest in the world, with over 200 million people living outside India. The diaspora has played a significant role in India’s Economic Development, and has also helped to promote Indian culture and values abroad. Which of the following is NOT a way in which the Indian diaspora has promoted Indian culture and values abroad?
(A) By setting up cultural centers and organizations
(B) By supporting Indian films and music
(C) By investing in Indian businesses
(D) By voting in Indian Elections -
India’s cultural diplomacy has been successful in:
(A) Promoting India’s culture and values abroad
(B) Attracting foreign investment into India
(C) Countering negative perceptions of India abroad
(D) All of the above -
India’s cultural diplomacy has been criticized for being:
(A) Too focused on promoting India’s culture and values abroad
(B) Not effective enough in attracting foreign investment into India
(C) Not effective enough in countering negative perceptions of India abroad
(D) All of the above -
The future of India’s cultural diplomacy will depend on:
(A) The continued support of the Indian government
(B) The continued support of the Indian diaspora
(C) The continued interest of the international community in Indian culture and values
(D) All of the above