India’s Rise as a Global Power in Intellectual and Cultural Gravitas

Syllabus: GS2/Education

Context

• Recently, the Vice-President of India, in a Conference on Indian Knowledge Systems, said that ‘India’s rise as a global power needs to be accompanied by the rise of its intellectual and cultural gravitas’.

About India’s Intellectual & Cultural Gravitas

• India’s knowledge traditions span thousands of years — from the analytical rigor of Nyaya philosophy and the introspection of Vedanta, to the rich intellectual debates at ancient universities like Nalanda, Vikramshila, Takshashila, Vallabhi, and Odantapuri, and continuing to the scientific acumen of the modern age.
  • It includes the education ecosystem, global recognition, and knowledge diplomacy.
• Literary & Philosophical Excellence: The Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita are studied in philosophy and theology courses globally, including the contributions of Panini, Aryabhata, and Kautilya.
  • Thinkers such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Amartya Sen represent a rich tradition of inquiry and humanism.
  • Authors like Salman Rushdie, Jhumpa Lahiri, Arundhati Roy have shaped modern literary conversations.
• Spiritual & Wellness Influence:
  • Yoga: International Yoga Day (June 21st) is a UN-designated celebration initiated by India.
  • Ayurveda: Traditional Indian medicine has inspired a booming global wellness industry.
  • Meditation and Mindfulness: These practices are now central to mental health programs and corporate wellness worldwide.
• Art & Cinema: Indian films enjoy massive audiences in countries like Nigeria, Russia, Egypt, and across the Indian diaspora.
  • Dance numbers, costumes, and themes have even influenced music videos and Hollywood choreography.
• Global Festivals: Diwali & Holi are celebrated in multicultural cities across the world, from London to Sydney, often by people of non-Indian descent too.

Why Intellectual and Cultural Gravitas Matters?

• Global Thought Leadership: India’s economists, legal scholars, and climate thinkers are increasingly influencing international frameworks and dialogues.
• Government-Led Outreach: Through institutions like ICCR and MEA’s public diplomacy initiatives, India promotes its cultural heritage globally.
• Heritage Conservation: Projects like ‘Digital India’ and ‘Adopt a Heritage’ reflect efforts to preserve and present India’s cultural treasures for future generations and global visitors.
  • Projects like the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum aim to transform colonial-era buildings into global cultural landmarks.
• Policy Commitment: The National Education Policy (NEP) encourages multidisciplinary learning and critical thinking, emphasizing global competence with Indian values.
• Institutional Innovation: Investments in IITs, IISc, and AIIMS signify India’s intent to lead in science, technology, and medicine; however, to secure a truly holistic and sustainable leadership role on the world stage, India must also prioritize the advancement of social sciences, ethics, and philosophy.
• Soft Power Diplomacy: Indian literature, festivals, textiles, and cuisine offer not just aesthetic appeal—but windows into pluralism, resilience, and philosophical depth.
  • Events like International Yoga Day and exhibitions of Buddhist relics in Thailand reflect India’s spiritual outreach.

Challenges to Intellectual and Cultural Leadership

• Declining Academic Freedom: Political interference in universities and research institutions has led to censorship and self-censorship.
  • India’s ranking in the Academic Freedom Index has dropped sharply, placing it among countries with ‘completely restricted’ academic environments.
• Ideological Polarization: The dominance of certain ideological narratives has marginalized alternative viewpoints, especially in humanities and social sciences.
  • Regional diversity is underrepresented in national narratives, limiting holistic cultural diplomacy.
• Low Investment in Research & Innovation: India’s R&D expenditure remains low compared to global leaders.
  • Bureaucratic hurdles and lack of autonomy in institutions stifle innovation and original scholarship.
• Brain Drain & Talent Retention: Many top scholars and researchers seek opportunities abroad due to better funding, freedom, and recognition.
  • Domestic institutions struggle to offer competitive environments for cutting-edge research.
• Digital Colonialism & Cultural Representation: Global tech platforms dominate cultural dissemination, often sidelining indigenous voices.
  • India’s digital infrastructure for cultural exports (e.g., literature, art, heritage) needs strategic investment.
• Youth Disconnect & Cultural Continuity: Urban youth often lack exposure to classical arts, regional languages, and traditional knowledge systems.
  • Cultural education in schools is minimal, weakening intergenerational transmission.

India’s Efforts & Initiatives in Intellectual and Cultural Leadership 

• Education & Knowledge Systems
  • NEP 2020 pushes multidisciplinary learning, integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), and promotion of Indian languages.
  • New academic models like Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes, NHEQF, and digital platforms like SWAYAM and AAPAR modernize learning delivery.
  • PM-YUVA 3.0 promotes young writers in 22 Indian languages + English, focusing on India’s heritage and global diaspora.
• Science, Technology & Innovation:
  • Vision India Techade aims for global tech leadership across AI, quantum computing, and research.
  • Flagship missions:
    • Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
    • National Quantum Mission
    • India AI Mission
    • Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
  • Global collaborations through initiatives like the U.S.-India TRUST and INDUS-X strengthen academic and tech partnerships.
• Cultural Renaissance & Thought Leadership:
  • Events like India Leadership Conclave 2025 highlight India’s journey “From Roots to Rockets.”
  • Institutionalizing Indian Knowledge Systems via libraries, clubs, and language labs to keep traditional wisdom relevant.
  • Ministry of Culture’s 5-Pillar Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
  • Kalagram Initiatives: Cultural villages like the one at Prayagraj’s Mahakumbh are being replicated nationwide to showcase India’s spiritual and artistic traditions.
  • UNESCO Recognitions: Sites like Assam’s Moidams and Maratha military landscapes are being promoted for World Heritage status.

Way Ahead

• Strengthen Academic Autonomy: Implement safeguards for free inquiry and diverse thought in universities.
• Invest in Cultural Infrastructure: Support museums, translation projects, and global cultural festivals.
• Promote Indic Thought Globally: Encourage publication and dissemination of Indian philosophy, ethics, and aesthetics.
• Empower Youth Engagement: Integrate cultural education into curricula and support creative industries.

Source: PIB