Unlocking soft power with Saptadhara, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced Saptadhara from the Red Fort on August 15, a concept comprising seven streams of national strength.
• This initiative aims to help India achieve its Viksit Bharat goal by leveraging these strengths.
• Soft power is identified as one of the seven crucial streams within Saptadhara.
• The vision seeks to transform India's cultural assets into global influence, economic value, and sustainable livelihoods.

Detailed Insights:

• Saptadhara was announced during the 80th Independence Day celebrations, outlining a framework for India's growth over the next five to seven years.
• The seven streams include manufacturing, agriculture & food processing, technology & innovation, Gati Shakti (infrastructure), defence, green & blue economy, and soft power.
• Soft power, a term coined by Joseph S. Nye Jr., refers to the ability to influence others through attraction and admiration rather than coercion.
• India's rich soft power assets encompass its long civilisational history, diverse culture (Yoga, Ayurveda, festivals, arts, cuisine, handicrafts), democratic values, scientific advancements, digital systems, space programme, and global diaspora.
• The initiative proposes creating district-level plans to identify and support local artists, artisans, and cultural workers, connecting them with training, technology, finance, and market opportunities.
• A national mission is envisioned to generate 1 crore new jobs in sectors like tourism, arts, media, and the creative economy.
• Viksit Bharat is the government's vision to transform India into a developed, self-reliant, and prosperous nation by 2047, the centenary of its independence.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Saptadhara: A seven-point reform framework introduced by PM Modi to accelerate India's development towards Viksit Bharat.
• Soft Power: The ability of a nation to influence others through attraction and persuasion, leveraging its culture, political values, and foreign policies.
• Viksit Bharat: The vision to transform India into a developed, self-reliant, and prosperous nation by 2047, encompassing economic, social, and environmental goals.