- People in the know agree that ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance took power at the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed a high priority on building and cultivating the diplomatic front. This level of diplomatic zeal had never been seen before. Even though the opposition mocked Modi’s frequent foreign trips as mere jaunts yielding little or no tangible benefits in positioning India’s case among the powerful nations, there is no denying that Modi’s international forays have resulted in Western and European countries sitting up and taking notice. The BJP, on the other hand, has vociferously defended the PM, citing how India’s stature has grown all around.
PC: Opindian Staff
- Looking around, it is clear that India as a nation and the PM as a world leader has gained traction and heft in recent years. There was a time not long ago when the most populous and largest democracy was treated with contempt. In comparison to some of the most advanced nations, India has always been portrayed as a poor nation dominated by superstitious beliefs that define our daily lives. To be sure, the Indian diaspora – both white-collar and blue-collar workers – is widespread around the world, contributing significantly to the development of those countries. Without the nation-building contributions of Indians, neither developed nor developing nations could have progressed.
- However, India has always been regarded as a nation still influenced by an age-old belief system that includes inexplicable superstitions, anachronistic practices, incomprehensible mysticism, and illogical traditions and practices. However, thanks to the current dispensation at the Centre’s forceful projection, Indian traditional belief systems/practices have gained not only acceptance among global communities but also more patrons. Who would have thought that the world would one day celebrate Yoga in such a big way, even though the United Nations declared June 21st as International Yoga Day? Furthermore, ancient Indian alternative medicines such as Ayurveda have a sizable global following.
PC: AP Photo
- We also know how Indian holistically inclined meditational techniques have gained traction among the global community seeking tranquillity in today’s pressure-filled environment. For that matter, Indian spiritualism has gained a large following around the world, attracting hordes of people to adopt age-old methodologies to find peace amid the universe’s chaos. Not only that, but the Indian voice carries significant weight in geostrategic and geopolitical situations, owing largely to the country’s economic growth over the years. PM Modi deserves credit for working tirelessly to position India as a country that cannot be ignored on the global stage. Even the hesitant opposition must agree.
