"Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth"- Albert Einestine on Mahatma Gandhi
Hello friends, today, India pays tribute to our Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his death anniversary. Gandhi Ji indeed one of the most important personalities in the tense and complex 20th century. Times magazine honoured him as the person of the century. Being such honoured personality Gandhi Ji needs no separate introduction.
Mahatma Gandhi has become a symbol of India's soft power after seven decades of his martyrdom. While this is the theme we are going to discuss, let's first briefly understand the term- Soft Power.
What is Soft Power?
Every country has a typical culture of its own, some values, symbols. These things are associated with that country. For eg- Let's think of McDonald's. What is its original country? USA. However, having Mcdonald's restaurant has become a status symbol all over the world. Imagine a remote country in the African desert and one finds Mcdonald's there. the person will give a million thanks to the American company.
That's how soft power works. it is the ability of one to get things done without using force. American political scientist Joseph Nye coined this term in 2003. For him, soft power
co-opts people rather than coerce them.
India's soft power and Mahatma Gandhi-
What are India's Soft power points? Many. Literally many. From Bollywood to World Yoga Day, India has tremendous potential to get things done without using force. Mahatma Gandhi is one of them.
If anyone goes around the world and ask what people know about India, in most cases you will hear Mahatma Gandhi as one answer or maybe the most frequent answer. Its well appreciated name all over the world.
Look at Latin American countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Peru, Chile etc. They have named more than 500 public places after Indian leaders in the freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi is the most popular amongst them. Several universities have erected his statues as part of tribute as well as a remembrance of values.
The African continent was decolonised by European powers. Many of the leaders were inspired by Gandhian values. They fought for independence following Gandhian ways. Nelson Mandela is one of the well-known names amongst them.
Even when Donald Trump came to India last year, he was taken to Sabarmati Ashram. Perhaps, Sabarmati is the most sought after location to showcase India's values to foreign dignitaries after Taj Mahal.
India gives assistance to any country to built an educational centre, that name will definitely carry the name of Mahatma Gandhi. Such is the prowess of being an ardent follower of non-violence.
Gandhi travels with India's diplomacy. Be it any summit at the international level, Mahatma's name is the must. 'We gave Gandhi to the world' is familiar for ears which are used to such speeches.
Whether its Pravasi Bhartiya Divas or any event related to NRIs, Mahatma Gandhi is a must. Yes, he enjoys the distinction of being India's most famous Pravasi who returned to this land take part in freedom struggle from South Africa.
Though Mahatma Gandhi forms the essential component of India's Soft Power, Its to be noted that it doesn't mean only Gandhi works in soft power. It's one of the elements with other things like Yoga, Ayurveda and all. Soft power is not alone sufficient to protect, promote and sustain national interests. It requires the backing of a flourishing economy, strong military and steadfast national morale. This combination of soft and hard power is termed as Smart Power.
India's diplomatic missions actively celebrate and promote Gandhi Ji as India's message all over the world to influence people in other countries. It is important to understand Mahatma Gandhi, not only for the betterment of the world but to see a better version of oneself.
Great work!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Urvashi!😃
DeleteVery Nice Chaitanya...flow of language is epic !
ReplyDeleteThank you so much 😊
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