Soft power

Those attributes by which a country is able to persuade others to adopt its own agenda is known as its soft power. The soft power enhances a country’s standing in the eyes of others. In today’s age, the economic prosperity of a nation is not unrelated to its position as a credible soft power.

It is a myth that only weaker nations adopt soft power to project themselves globally. The twentieth century saw the emergence of the United States of America as a supreme military power. Yet, the USA is no less a soft power today. It has consciously promoted Hollywood movies,world-class educational institutions and sporting skills(The USA has consistently figured as a top country to bag maximum gold medals in Olympics).

India’s is the fourth largest army in the world. It has the second largest paramilitary force in the world next only to China. India is a prominent nuclear power today after it had conducted nuclear tests in 1998.Even the five permanent members of the United Nations tacitly recognize our nuclear credentials. Our indigenous efforts have paid off in the domain of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme(IBMDP) despite formidable sanctions imposed by the Western nations.

Time and again, concerns have been raised as to why India should develop its military power and squander its valuable resources. India has a vulnerable security environment as it is surrounded by an unfriendly Pakistan and uncertain China. Therefore, India’s defence growth is imperative for national security. To a certain extent,its development of military capabilities is warranted for strengthening its strategic deterrence.The missile man of India, Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam has very rightly articulated that ‘Strength respects strength’.

Yet, India today is a growing soft power.India is a land of stalwarts like Buddha and Gandhi. Our constitutional principles are based on Gandhian philosophy.In the domain of art, music and dance,India has fared significantly well.India’s Bollywood and films are widely viewed not only in the USA and UK where there is overwhelming diasporic community, but also in countries like Syria and Senegal. The Syrians and Senegalese love to dance to the tune of Bollywood music and are fond of Indian film stars.

Recently,on the insistence of the Indian Prime Minister, the UN has decided to observe June 21 as International Yoga Day.Similarly, the birth day of Mahatma Gandhi is commemorated as International non-violence day. The Indian cuisine is very familiar and raises our culture higher in people’s reckoning( the way to foreigner’s hearts is through their palates).The Indian cricket team is a formidable sport team that has won the coveted world cup twice in 1983 and 2011.

The Indian economy, nevertheless, has consistently performed well in terms of GDP growth. India is the third largest economic power on the basis of its Purchasing Power Parity(PPP).Recently, according to an international survey, India’s economy is poised to surpass China by 2025.However,it is not only the material accomplishments that enhance our soft power. India is a multicultural, multilinguistic and multiethnic country. The diversity of India is eclectic and it is this plurality which positions India as a credible soft power. India is the world’s largest democracy which has stood the test of times despite many odds.

However, India needs to consciously promote its soft skills. India has enormous potential in terms of natural resources as well as human resources.Indian doctors and software professionals are widely respected across the globe.The Indian expatriates send remittances to their homeland which furthers  its economic development.  Moreover, India is favourably placed geographically, historically and spiritually.If we embark on the task of consciously enriching our soft power, India has a bright future ahead and can rightfully claim its super power status in near future.