UNESCO Recognition of Indian Traditions: Culture as Soft Power

When UNESCO recognises an Indian tradition as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage, it is more than a symbolic global honour. It is a quiet yet powerful assertion of India’s civilisational depth and cultural continuity in a world increasingly shaped by economic and military influence. From yoga and Kumbh Mela to traditional art forms, festivals and knowledge systems, such recognitions reaffirm that culture remains one of India’s strongest instruments of soft power.

India’s cultural heritage is not confined to monuments and museums. It lives in rituals, oral traditions, performing arts, social practices and community knowledge passed down through generations. UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list acknowledges this living heritage, emphasising that culture is not frozen in time but evolves while retaining its essence. For India, a civilisation that has thrived through adaptation rather than domination, this recognition validates a worldview rooted in pluralism and coexistence.

Soft power, a concept popularised by political scientist Joseph Nye, refers to the ability of a nation to influence others through attraction rather than coercion. Culture, values and ideas form its core. India’s cultural appeal has long transcended borders — yoga studios in New York, Bharatanatyam performances in Paris, Ayurveda centres in Southeast Asia and Diwali celebrations in global capitals testify to this influence. UNESCO recognition strengthens this appeal by providing international legitimacy and visibility.

At a time when global geopolitics is witnessing sharper polarisation, culture offers India a non-confrontational diplomatic pathway. Unlike hard power, which often breeds resistance, cultural diplomacy fosters curiosity and respect. UNESCO tags encourage academic research, tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections. They allow India to tell its own story, countering stereotypes and simplistic narratives that often dominate international discourse.

However, recognition also brings responsibility. There is a danger that cultural practices, once globally branded, may be reduced to tourist spectacles stripped of their original meaning. Commercialisation, over-exposure and standardisation can dilute local diversity. For example, festivals rooted in community life risk becoming performative events designed for cameras rather than participants. Preserving authenticity must therefore remain central to India’s cultural strategy.

Another challenge lies in inclusivity. India’s heritage is not monolithic. It spans regions, languages, castes, tribes and faiths. UNESCO recognition should not privilege a few dominant narratives while marginalising lesser-known traditions. Folk arts, indigenous practices and oral histories from remote regions deserve equal attention. Cultural soft power is strongest when it reflects diversity rather than uniformity.

The role of the State is crucial but must be balanced. While government support is necessary for documentation, preservation and international outreach, culture cannot be curated solely through bureaucratic frameworks. Communities are the true custodians of heritage. Policies should empower practitioners, ensure fair economic returns and protect intellectual and cultural rights. Without grassroots participation, cultural preservation risks becoming hollow symbolism.

India’s growing global stature as a major economy, a technology hub and a geopolitical actor makes cultural diplomacy even more relevant. As the world searches for alternative development models that balance growth with sustainability and well-being, India’s traditional knowledge systems offer valuable insights. Practices rooted in harmony with nature, holistic health and collective living resonate strongly in an era of climate anxiety and social fragmentation.

UNESCO recognition also has domestic implications. It can instil pride and awareness among younger generations increasingly distanced from traditional practices. When local culture gains global acknowledgment, it challenges the perception that modernity requires cultural abandonment. Schools, universities and digital platforms can play a key role in translating this recognition into education and innovation rather than nostalgia.

Yet, culture as soft power cannot substitute for good governance or economic strength. It complements them. Cultural appeal loses credibility if not matched by social justice, democratic values and inclusive growth at home. The world observes not only what India celebrates, but also how it treats its diversity and protects its freedoms. Soft power is most effective when rooted in lived values, not curated images.

Ultimately, UNESCO’s recognition of Indian traditions is a reminder that India’s greatest strength lies not merely in its market size or strategic location, but in its civilisational confidence. In a global order driven by competition, culture offers cooperation. In an age of noise, it offers meaning. By nurturing its heritage with sensitivity and inclusiveness, India can ensure that its soft power remains both authentic and enduring.