Prime Minister Narendra Modi displays a copy of the BJP election manifesto for the general election, in New Delhi, on April 14, 2024.
Credit: Reuters Photo
New Delhi: In a bold move outlined in its party manifesto, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has articulated its intention to infuse India’s diplomatic discourse with its core Hindutva ideology, should it secure victory in the upcoming elections.
Departing from the conventional diplomatic focus on figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha, the BJP proposes to elevate Lord Ram as a central icon of Indian diplomacy, paving the way for its core Hindutva ideology to be a part of India’s new diplomatic lexicon.
Under the BJP’s vision, a comprehensive global outreach program is slated to be launched, dedicated to documenting and promoting the teachings encapsulated in the epic saga of the Ramayana. This initiative will extend beyond national borders, with plans to host Ramayana Utsav, or festivals, in key countries worldwide.
“We will collaborate with countries across the globe to restore and revitalise sites of Bharatiya civilisation. Ramayana is celebrated across the world, particularly in South and South-East Asia. We will launch a global outreach program for documenting and promoting the tangible and intangible legacy of Lord Ram in all countries,” states the document.
It further promises to celebrate Ramayana Utsav with great fervour across the globe to commemorate the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla.
This paradigm shift signifies a departure from India’s traditional diplomatic ideals, and the BJP has promised to make way for the rich cultural tapestry of Hindu mythology to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s international engagements.