SOFT POWER IS EASY TO SELL IF YOU HAVE HARD POWER: ASHWIN SANGHI

New Delhi

As India hosts the G20 Summit, experts advocate leveraging the country’s rich storytelling tradition to bolster its global appeal. Rooted in the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “one earth, one family, one future,” Indian thought leaders argue for a dual approach—combining soft power of cultural wisdom with hard power like military and economics. Ashwin Sanghi, a renowned author, suggests that the country’s ancient texts and philosophies offer a treasure trove of knowledge that has yet to be fully tapped.

Abhay Kumar, Deputy Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations for G20, proposes the creation of an Indian Translation Society to translate key texts like the Vedas and Upanishads into major United Nations languages. Sanghi laments that while countries like Iran incorporate Indian wisdom like the Panchatantra into their education, India’s own children have been distanced from their heritage due to British colonial rule.

Sanghi also addresses misconceptions about the Sanatan Dharm, emphasising its open nature that welcomes a variety of beliefs and interpretations. He stresses that India’s inherent pluralism makes artificial labels like “secular” and “socialist”
redundant. Both experts believe that the current political and cultural moment, amplified by India’s G20 presidency, is ripe for reintroducing the world to India’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.