EFL University

The idea of globalization and global village evolved in India much earlier than Europe and was quite holistic in nature because it was not based on colonizing others rather it was based on learning from each other and coexistence. As evident from the verse written in Chapter 6 of Maha Upanishad:

(The distinction “This person is mine, and this one is not” is made only by the narrow-minded (i.e. the ignorant who are in duality). For those of noble conduct (i.e. who know the Supreme Truth) the whole world is one family (one Unit).

Since ancient times India believed in the exercise of soft power that works mainly on the strength of aesthetic beauty and the concern for the wellbeing of the entire creation as evident from the verse in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:

Om, May All be Happy,

May All be Free from Illness.

May All See what is Auspicious,

May no one Suffer.

Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

However, this power is rarely recognized as compared to the use of hard power and tough diplomatic negotiations. This Research Cluster is an effort to recognize and explore the expanse of cultural influence of India in the entire Asia and beyond through mutual cultural exchanges not through any colonial project. Cultural and religious developments in India including Buddhism and Hinduism, became major markers in India’s close engagement with South Asia and Southeast Asia, the other two relations are commerce and maritime connectivity. A close study shows that trade, connectivity, religious philosophy and culture travelled from India to South Asia and Southeast Asia almost inseparably and at the same time over the centuries, and the epic RÄmÄyana has evolved as a powerful symbol of a strong cultural connect between India and South Asia and Southeast Asia. Honourable Prime Minister Narender Modi Ji in East Asian Summit held in Manila described the influence of RÄmÄyana as India’s deep civilizational and historical relations with ASEAN.