Cultural relations key to soft power: ICCR DG

Biharsharif: K Nandini Singla, director general (DG) of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), delivered a lecture on “cultural relations” at Nalanda University.

The event was attended by ICCR deputy director general Ashish Ranjan and Swadha Rizvi, head of the ICCR Patna regional office, according to a press release issued by the university on Monday.

In her address, she highlighted India’s growing global role and emphasised cultural relations as a key pillar of the country’s soft power. Referring to Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power, she underscored India’s long tradition of sharing ideas, values, and knowledge systems without conquest.

She spoke about India’s cultural richness across languages, arts, music, dance, and cinema, and highlighted initiatives such as Vaccine Maitri, development partnerships, scholarships, and humanitarian assistance. She also noted the global relevance of yoga, meditation, and mindful living rooted in Indian traditions.

Describing ICCR as a vital platform for cultural exchange and people-to-people connections, she said Nalanda University’s diverse international student community reflects the spirit of cultural relations.

Following the lecture, she interacted with ICCR scholars, encouraging participation in initiatives such as “ICCR Yuva Mitra” and “Kala Sadhak.”

Vice-chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi, in his welcome address, emphasised the link between cultural relations, academic exchange, and India’s global engagement. He highlighted the role of ICCR fellowships and scholarships in strengthening the university’s international character, and noted Nalanda’s commitment to sustainability through its net-zero campus.
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