EP 129 - Exploring India's Cultural Diplomacy & Soft Power With Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe

Dr. Vinay Prabhakar Sahasrabuddhe served as a Rajya Sabha member from 2016 to 2022 and held the position of Vice President in the BJP from 2014 to 2020. He also assumed the role of President at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, a government organization fostering cultural exchanges between India and other nations. He is recognized as a key figure in the BJP's think tank. He had spearheaded training initiatives for ministers hailing from BJP-governed states.

In the recent episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses how India can exercise its soft power and emphasizes the necessity for the country to engage in this practice. He suggests India should leverage its rich traditions and heritage, exemplified by Bollywood movies and yoga.

He also highlights Prime Minister Modi's leadership skills. He addresses critics of Sanatana, asserting that the term is eternal, and those who criticize it often lack a proper understanding of its meaning. Dr. Sahasrabuddhe contends that the perception of many is still heavily influenced by Western civilization and storytelling.

He also addresses 'Hindi imposition' allegations against the central government. Furthermore, He argues that the Centre has no intention to rewrite or revise history but rather to revisit it with a fresh perspective.