WORLD SOFT POWERS
Soft power is the ability to attract and co-opt, rather than coerce (hard power). Soft power is the ability to shape the preferences of others through appeal and attraction. The currency of soft power is culture, political values, and foreign policies.
America is leading the world both in hard and soft powers. The American way of life, capitalism and the American dream appeals to people all over the world. USA is a modern, innovative, country. It has the largest number of foreign journalists and attracts largest number of foreign students. Its soft power can be seen through its Hollywood movies and music. In a short period of time, China has created a systematic, coherent soft power strategy, and a set of soft power tools to implement that strategy. Its Confucius Institutes promote teaching Chinese language and culture internationally and facilitate cultural exchanges. Over 2,40,000 foreign students are studying in China. China‘s soft power is seen in the One Belt One Road initiatives to bring the world closer together and where goods and services could be exchanged.
INDIA’S SOFT POWER
Large number of India engineers and IITians are given the post of CEOs of foreign companies. Satya Nadella of Microsoft, Sundar Pichai of Google, Indira Nooyi of PepsiCo and Ajit Jain of Berkshire Hathaway Insurance have raised the image of India. It shows that the Indian engineers are more capable than the engineers in foreign countries. Pramila Jaypal is the first Indian- American women to be elected as the U.S House of Representatives. Sunita Williams and Kalpana Chawla are American astronauts. Radhika Sitsabesan is a Member of Parliament in Canada. People of Indian origin have been heads of states in Singapore, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Fiji. The newly built airport in Bangkok, Thailand is called Swarnabhumi International airport.
The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi makes use of the soft power to its full extent. He has been declared as the world‘s third influential Political leader after Angela Merkel of Germany and Emmanuel Macron of France and ahead of Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. He introduced internationalization of Yoga which was actively participated by many of the countries of the world. He addressed the POIs, NRIs and OCIs in USA, Australia, UK, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv. His presence in the foreign soil created a buzz in the international media. Every news channel was casting his international meeting. He handles the international media with poise. He praises India‘s rich culture and heritage. These praises help overseas Indians. People in foreign countries get a positive perception about India and its people. Narendra Modi went to Pakistan to attend wedding ceremony of Nawaz Sharif‘s daughter. This was the initiative taken from the Indian side for friendship. It didn‘t give the fruitful result but in international arena India‘s effort was appreciated and it is supported by many countries. Narendra Modi wished Chinese President in Chinese on his birth day and wished Israel Prime Minister in Hebrew on the occasion of Hanukkah festival. In 2010, the Indian Navy rescued a Mozambican vessel from pirates
Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh has been promoting yoga among American and African youth. HSS celebration of Raksha Bandhan as a festival of Universal Brotherhood and Guru Vandana for promoting respect for teachers has been well received by many leaders around the world. Tulsi Gabbard a senator of USA and Kamala Persad Bissesar, prime minister of Trinidad took oath of office holding Bhagwad Gita in their hands. Deepavali celebrated annually by Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh, Sydney attracts over 20,000 Indians and non-Indians. Persons learning Vedic chantings, Bhagwad Gita, Ayur veda and Indian music is increasing rapidly. Sultan of Abu Dhabi welcomed Ramayan scholar Murari Bapu with the slogan Jai Shri Ram. His wife begumsahiba carried the holy book Ramayana on her head. Sultan has given a piece of land to build a grand Hindu temple. Many Arabs in traditional dress are seen singing Sanskrit bhajans.
Indian movies are liked by people of many countries. In Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand people take holidays to watch Bollywood movies and they return singing the songs of the movie. Plane load of Japanese youth fly to Chennai just to watch first day first show of Tamil actor Rajnikant. They now know Tamil especially many of his punch dialogues. Indian actors and actresses are liked by them. They try to imitate the styles of the Bollywood stars. Priyanka Chopra working in Hollywood TV series and movies is an example of the use of India‘s soft power. Her work is appreciated all over the world as an Indian artist and it creates a positive image of India in the eyes of the people of the other countries./p>
In June 2017, on Global warming, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed his country will go ―above and beyond‖ the 2015 Paris accord on combating climate change. The Paris agreement commits the US and 194 other countries to keeping rising global temperatures ―well below‖ 2C above per-industrial levels and ―endeavour to limit‖ them even more, to 1.5C. US President Donald Trump walked out of the Paris climate agreement. Mr Trump said the deal would impoverish the US and cost American jobs. Several global leaders have criticized President Donald Trump‘s decision to withdraw the US from the Paris accord. They have praised Narendra Modi for his whole- hearted support to protect Mother Earth.
Thus India‘s soft power is influencing more and more people. India is utilizing its soft power very confidently for the benefit and welfare of the world.
