- India’s soft power grows under PM Modi, inspiring art, cultureand unity
- A leader who reignited Indian pride across the world
When Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India in 2014, it was a new era for the Indians all over the world, including us in the United States. Being an Indian American, I am able to say that under his leadership, all of us have been able to experience the rejuvenation of one’s pride and identity in the diaspora. Prior to this reign, it was quite easy for the majority of Indian Americans to take part and engage in communal festivities.
However, they found it hard to project a positive image of India on the world map. The most common conception about India was that it was a poor country ridden with corruption and absence of any real leaders. All this changed when PM Modi took charge for better. He transformed the image of the country and the Indians living overseas, enhancing their culture and professional ethos.
From the moment PM Modi assumed office, it was evident he held a vision of a rejuvenated India where the past is blended with the present. His term gave a new self-belief to the disaporic Indians as we witnessed him glorifying everything about India—from its democracy to its information technology. For Indian Americans, this was not simply a sense of patriotism; it was more about challenging the existing notions and earning dignity in a foreign land. Without mincing words, his reign made it evident that India has transitioned from being a third world country into a power that demands respect from the rest of the countries in the world.
For our community, it suffices to say that PM Modi’s regular sojourn to the United States has borne fruits. The desire to reach out to the Indian diaspora was fulfilled and addressed in a manner that they are not simply outsiders but rightful constituents of the worldwide fabric of India. In every step taken by him or every word spoken, we felt special, wanted, and loyal to our motherland.
This intense ability to connect Indian Americans and other business leaders and policy makers across the country is perhaps one of the important things that leaped out of PM Modi’s visits. As a result, he has created a conducive environment that benefits both the two countries. I am an Indian American artist and I was motivated by his belief in cultural exchange through art, music, and literature as a means of connecting peoples and creating harmony. Indian government had hardly bothered to reach out or engage with the diaspora and its constituents in any such active way prior to the commencement of PM Modi. These reshaped our approach towards Mother India wherein we began feeling that we are a part of the country’s sojourn but not just a mere onlooker. He has also made it clear that we are not only cultural representatives of India but also players in the narrative of growth. This has deepened our ties with India as well made us more assertive in the help for its advancement.
PM Modi has also been influential in helping Indian Americans understand the scope of business and technological work. His interactions with ceos of prominent american companies brought out the message of India being the next innovation and investment destination. Such that new dynamics of partnership have been inculcated from the extensive corridors of the in how connects so many businesses and investors. In positioning India as the technology capital of the world, promotion strategies employed by PM Modi himself have also been utilized to woo the Indian diaspora who are based overseas. The other game-changing phenomenon has been the efforts to make NRI investments in India a reality. These programs are not solely directed at economic advancement; they are indicative of India’s willingness to utilize the capabilities and assets of its diaspora.
Apart from business and technology, Cultural diplomacy which is an area developed and promoted by PM Modi has become of great interest to Indians living within the US. He is responsible for the popularity of such things as Yoga, Ayurvedic medicine and Indian arts over the global arena. For people like me who happens to be an Indian artist, this is very powerful as it has given us a platform to share our art while making it accessible to many more people. During the period of PM Modi, the relations between Indian Americans and the US also improved without a doubt. Such evolution of the two countries has brought more benefits to our people – employment, education, and even cultural exchanges have become better. It has also fortified the fact that we occupy an important position in between the two largest democracies in the world.
As someone who appreciates artistry, I must say that PM Modi's style of governance is fascinating because he balances tradition and modernity perfectly. He often uses quotes from history and Indian philosophy in his speeches but addresses contemporary issues. This two-fold method of functioning has not only helped in safeguarding India's traditions but has made them applicable in the current times. One of the most striking images I retain in my memory is PM Modi's address at the United Nations General Assembly wherein International Yoga Day in all nations was suggested.
This is a campaign that has found its place in most countries today and was all part of the Prime Minister’s agenda to boost the soft power of India. And for the Indian Americans I believe it was a moment of pride that reminded them of the world’s place for their culture.
PM Modi's agenda also includes that of Diaspora, and so, address to our concerns and problems. Be it for a better visa process or protection of Indians overseas, his government has always shown concern for its citizens, those who are overseas. This has built our faith in the Indian government and made us feel at home.
Under his stewardship, we have witnessed a remarkable growth in the number of Indian origin professionals making their mark in the US across different verticals. Of course this is not a fluke; it is the renewed inner pride and self- respect that his tenure has enterprised in us. We are no more mere passengers on the American Dream; we are dreamers of Indian Dream now. PM Modi's initiatives have also made the younger generation of Indian Americans much more rooted into their ancestry. The gratifications such as Study in India programs and the partnerships with American universities have eased an academic pursuit while looking for one's ancestral origins. In this way, the gap between the old and new has been reduced, and more importantly, our cultural values have been secured.
Being an Indian American artist, I would like to thank PM Modi for his efforts in his mission of promoting Indian culture outside India. He has, in an unprecedented manner, encouraged cultural festivals and collaborations allowing artists like me to promote our work and network across borders. This has not only enhanced my professional life but has also helped me reconcile my feelings of belonging to India and the United States at the same time.
The leadership of PM Modi has also helped to foster a sense of belonging even among Indian Americans. His visits as well as activities enabled us to meet and appreciate our culture, and more importantly, find ways to help Indonesia’s advancement. Thank you for that sense of belongingness especially to the Indian Community in America as it is very difficult in such a vast and competitive country.The influence of the Prime Minister's leadership has also affected the image of Indian Americans within the United States. There was no need for this for many of us because we were already considered products of a new, young, and especially growing India. As a result, we have been able to extend the opportunities available to us in a variety of areas, including politics and business, thereby fulfilling our duty as citizens of the world with great success.
Several Indian Americans have found diverse ways to engage in these causes thanks to PM Modi's call for creativity and green development. His mission for a greener, cleaner nation shares the sentiments of the whole world in regards to climate change, hence easing the way for projects which seek to profit both countries. One of his strongest attributes is that he can relate to any individual regardless of their backgrounds. This is visible from his relations with the Indian American community, where he constantly encourages them to come together without divisions. For creative minds such as myself, this is an important statement because it reiterates the fact that art and culture transcend any one group or people.
Many Indian Americans have embraced voluntary work, courtesy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership which inspires us all. To also enhance similar causes in our communities, it is his ideas on more initiatives such as Swachh Bharat or Beti Bachao Beti Padhao that has encouraged us. This has not only strengthened our bond with our country, but also enhanced our role as agent of change in the US. I am Indian American, and I must say without hesitation that for our community, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mandate has been a game changer. His perceptions, politics, and political processes have given a new meaning to being Indian in today’s world. He has instilled a sense of honor, importance, and togetherness in us that will be a source of inspiration for the many generations yet to come.
(Author Noureen Sultana is an Artist in the United States of America. Email : noureensultanapr@gmail.com)
