Sansad TV: Yoga- India’s Soft Power | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Yoga, often described as the journey of the self through the self to the self, has transcended borders and captured the hearts and minds of people worldwide. As the world celebrated the 8th edition of International Yoga Day, it is crucial to analyze how Yoga has become a compelling expression of India's soft power. Soft power refers to a country's ability to influence others without relying on force or coercion. It emanates from a nation's culture, political values, and foreign policies. In the case of India, Yoga has emerged as a remarkable source of soft power, symbolizing the country's rich cultural heritage.

India's Soft Power

• In 2014, India took the initiative to declare the 21st of June as 'International Yoga Day' at the United Nations General Assembly. This proclamation was a significant step in projecting India's soft power on the global stage. India's spiritualism, cinematic and television influence, classical and popular dance and music forms, principles of non-violence, democratic institutions, plural society, and cuisine have all captivated people worldwide. The sheer number of yoga schools in America, Europe, and many parts of Asia bears testimony to the immense popularity of India's cultural traditions.
• Democracy, often considered the United States' most prominent soft power export, unifies nations through the power of individual votes. Similarly, Yoga accomplishes the same for India, fostering cohesion at an individual level and, subtly, at a national level. India has a long-standing tradition of providing refuge and embracing cultural and religious freedoms for Jews, Parsis, Christians, and Muslims. The imprint of Indian civilization is felt worldwide, as the country serves as a melting pot where major religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism coexist harmoniously. This diversity has been a key driver of India's soft power.

Harnessing India's Soft Power

The International Day of Yoga serves as a resounding celebration of Yoga's global popularity, highlighting its richness as a soft power resource. The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role as ambassadors, carrying the nation's soft power wherever they go. The government recognizes this potential and aims to utilize Yoga's popularity and its associated benefits to showcase India's contributions to global health, well-being, and spirituality. To project India's soft power across the world, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has initiated the construction of diplomatic missions and cultural centers, incorporating diverse architectural styles.

Furthermore, Buddhism acts as an essential bridge between India, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and South Asia, bolstering cultural ties and promoting tourism. India's status as the birthplace of Yoga attracts numerous individuals seeking to learn and practice Yoga, thereby stimulating tourism and bolstering India's reputation as a peace-loving nation.

Challenges and the Way Forward

While India's soft power has made significant strides, challenges remain. Soft power alone has not effectively addressed issues such as terrorism, radicalism, and opposition to India's membership in global organizations like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). However, India can leverage its soft power potential in various ways:

• Enhancing Tourism: Promote Yoga as a major tourist attraction and consider incorporating a dedicated "yoga/spiritual circuit" within India's existing "tourist circuits." This initiative would boost India's image as a peaceful nation, generate revenue, increase foreign exchange, and provide employment opportunities for locals.
• Harnessing the Indian Diaspora: Tap into the cultural and civilizational potential of the Indian diaspora, utilizing their influence and networks to promote India's soft power.
• Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship as India's preferred form of soft power, fostering economic growth and attracting international attention.
• Strengthening Education: Develop a well-organized higher education system focused on Yoga, similar to the United States, attracting students from around the world and establishing India as a knowledge hub in this field.
• Good Governance and Economic Growth: Prioritize good governance, strive for sustained economic growth, and elevate the standard of living for all citizens. These factors contribute to India's soft power by showcasing the country's potential and attractiveness.

Conclusion

Yoga has emerged as a global phenomenon, capturing the imaginations of people from all walks of life. India's public diplomacy efforts have played a crucial role in showcasing Yoga to the world, but more can be done to disseminate literature and stories about this ancient practice. Yoga represents India's gift to humanity—a pathway to a longer, healthier, and happier life. With its vibrant culture, rich heritage, and pluralistic values, India possesses the potential to become a world leader not just in economic terms but also as a free, dynamic nation. By harnessing its soft power, India can accelerate its growth and make an indelible mark on the global stage. The next phase of India's soft power journey involves empowering individuals to embrace Yoga's inner grammar, completing the cycle of India's deep, vast, and unique soft power.