Communicating India's soft power: Ramayana and its spiritual linkage with south-Eastasia Sinha Jyoti1, Kumar Amit2 1HoD PG, Department of History, RLSY College, Bakhtiyapur, Patliputra University, Patna, Bihar 2Independent Researcher, Patna, Bihar Online published on 5 April, 2024. Abstract Purpose The term “soft power” was first coined by American political scientist Joseph S Nye Jr. in the international relations discourse in the 1980s. It was termed as “the ability to attract preferred outcomes through attraction rather than coercion.” Its primary characteristics are culture, values, and policies, replacing the use of military might. Countries worldwide have embraced this idea of cultural engagement with both state and non-state actors to amplify their global positioning and influence. A new model of 21st-century democracy brands itself as an advanced economy mixed with an ancient civilization based on a vibrant culture. In this context, India, the world's largest democracy with its multicultural heritage, is globally acclaimed for its cultural assets and values that date back centuries. It remains a subject of aspiration and admiration by the global community. India's international engagement is primarily guided by the values of inclusivity, plurality, and welfare for all. Upanishads delivered the notion of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ to the world. Findings This paper aims to deliberate on the spiritual linkage between India and SEA countries based on Ramayana, which works as a catalyst in India's Act East Policy to strengthen further its historical engagement with Asia Pacific's immediate and extended geographies. Originality/Value Yoga may be considered India's most successful and popular soft-power tool; however, initially, the Indian epic Ramayana is the basis of spiritual linkages between India and its neighboring countries, especially South-East Asia (SEA). Ramakein, the national literature of Thailand, and Kakawin in Indonesia are local versions of Ramayana. In Cambodia, Rama is known as Phreah Ream, and Sita is known as Neang Seda. The city of Yogyakarta in Indonesiais a transliteration of Ayodhya. In Laos, Phra Ram is considered a previous incarnation of Gautama Buddha. The stories of Ramayana are modified according to local culture and settings only to be adopted for theatre, dance forms, and other crafts, contributing immensely to their cultural and creative economy. With the inauguration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the already established spiritual connection between India and South-East Asian countries is set to strengthen further. Top Keywords Ramayana, Soft Power, South-East Asia, Act East, Culture, Heritage. Top |