Dr Shashi Tharoor Highlights India’s Soft Power at 10th Dr L.M. Singhvi Memorial Lecture

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament and author, delivered the 10th Dr. L.M. Singhvi Memorial Lecture on the theme “India’s Soft Power.” The event, held at O.P. Jindal Global University and organized by Jindal Global Law School, was established in memory of Dr. L.M. Singhvi, a prominent jurist, diplomat, and scholar.

During his lecture, Dr. Tharoor emphasized the concept of soft power, explaining how a nation’s cultural, political, and intellectual influence plays a critical role in shaping global perceptions. He described soft power as the ability to attract and persuade, highlighting India’s strengths in cultural diplomacy, democratic values, and intellectual leadership.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Tharoor’s Lecture

• Soft Power and Multi-Alignment Strategy: Dr. Tharoor explained that India’s soft power promotes a strategy of “multi-alignment,” where the nation engages in various global platforms and coalitions. This approach allows India to act with flexibility and purpose on the world stage.
• Cultural Influence and Yoga Diplomacy: Dr. Tharoor cited India’s promotion of yoga as an example of its cultural soft power. He noted that International Yoga Day, recognized by the United Nations, symbolizes India’s contribution to global wellness and ancient wisdom.
• Bollywood’s Role in Soft Power: He also highlighted Bollywood’s global impact, saying Indian cinema has expanded India’s cultural influence worldwide by reshaping global perceptions and embedding Indian culture in the international imagination.
• India’s Diversity as a Strength: Dr. Tharoor observed that India’s multicultural and democratic values have become attractive to many nations. He stressed that despite challenges, India’s management of diversity strengthens its soft power and builds goodwill internationally.
• India’s Global Leadership in Space and Health: Tharoor mentioned India’s space program and vaccine diplomacy as other examples of soft power. He praised India’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the country’s vaccine outreach reflected solidarity and responsibility toward global health.

Legacy of Dr. L.M. Singhvi

The lecture also paid tribute to Dr. L.M. Singhvi, who was described by his son, Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, as a “Renaissance man” with vast contributions to law, diplomacy, and public life. Dr. Singhvi is credited with coining the terms “Lokpal” and “Lokayukta” and playing a pivotal role in strengthening India’s Panchayati Raj system through constitutional amendments.

In his welcome address, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, described Dr. L.M. Singhvi as India’s “VIBGYOR Man,” emphasizing his multifaceted legacy.

Conclusion

The lecture ended with remarks from Professor Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Registrar of O.P. Jindal Global University, and Professor S.G. Sreejith, Executive Dean of Jindal Global Law School. They highlighted Dr. Singhvi’s belief in the power of law as a unifying force and expressed pride in hosting the annual lecture in his memory.