Anupam- The Dreamer

In the fractured, fragmented and fragile geopolitical situation that exists in the world today, the trade agreement between India and the European Union gives a glimmer of hope amidst the gloomy situation all around.  And what stood out for me was the statement by the President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen when she exclaimed- “When India succeeds, the world is more stable, more secure and more prosperous and we all benefit”.

Indeed, the world is looking upto India with hope and renewed enthusiasm as a beacon of hope in the changing global order. In the times, when big powers are not trusting each other and even fighting pseudo-wars in multiple theatres and domains, India is standing tall as a lighthouse of peace. Undeniably, we have our own set of domestic problems and issues, yet there can be no better global power which can be trusted by the friends and foes alike, which can bring some calm to the fragile economic and political order, which can give solace to those fighting wars by humanitarian aid, which can not only preach the best of human values like peace, mutual coexistence, empathy, trust and “vasudhaiv kutumbakam” but also practice them at the same time.

Our nation has an immense civilizational strength and cultural roots as our soft power. Our contribution to the disciplines of study, like space, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, philosophy, economics, administration, literature, spirituality etc. are known to everyone. Even if the pace of contribution to the sphere of human enquiry and knowledge may have diminished a bit after the ancient period, yet it is no secret that the global thinkers have always held India’s original contribution in high-esteem. Even when the economic strength of India may have declined after the colonization period, yet India of today is slowly and steadily reclaiming its lost hard power also. And coupled with soft power of culture (literature, knowledge systems, yoga, medicine, spirituality, epics, messenger of peace, democracy etc.), this hard power will do wonders not just for India, but for the world at large, as also exclaimed by Ms. Ursula.

The strong values and the inner strength of the nation have held us together in tough times throughout history, that is, our soft power has always remained our strength. The influence of the sixth of humanity can be seen all around the world. Our festivals like Diwali, Holi are getting globalized, our songs and music are reaching the far-off places, the Indian diaspora is spreading love and respect for people, wherever they go! We have learned to live in peace with people from diverse cultures, languages, races, etc., so Indians, when they go abroad, represent the good values of humanity. Infact, very few nations can give a moral and ethical leadership to the world, as India can provide. There are many countries that practice realpolitik, even now there are umpteen examples, but realpolitik doesn’t make this world a safer place and prosperous place for everyone. Realpolitik will only pull down the humanity from an exalted place to the level of “matsya-nyaya” (where the might is right). But, the philosophy of vasudhaiv kutumbakam, if practiced in reality by every country, can raise us from this zero-sum game of prosperity. It basically gives a call to the inner spirit of a person not to be too greedy and live a life of shared prosperity and peace.

The problem of climate change, control over limited resources, economic dominance, terrorism, etc. cannot be tackled only through hard power. Unless, the moral dimension of these problems is not addressed, any solution to these would be superficial, temporary and ineffective. But, in real world out there, we often see that the world does not respect soft power unless it is coupled with hard power! So, with all our resources, our knowledge, our skilled human resource, and dynamism, if we can tackle our internal problems and issues to become a hard power also, then no power on earth can stop us in what we can achieve for ourselves and for the world in this 21^st century.

The humanity is standing at a defining moment in history, where we have two choices. Either, we can regress and fall into the “Ghor kalyug” which represents the worst of humanity, or else we could springboard into an “amazing kalyug” which will represent best of humanity with material as well as moral prosperity. And I see India as the best candidate for taking the world to the second option in this 21^st century. Period.

Till next time….