The Blue Elephant

Book excerpt: How can India and the rest of the world use culture as a tool for shared progress? In The Blue Elephant, Rahul Das, a reverse migrant, consultant and backpacker explores Soft Power, an abstract topic in International Relations, by weaving together his experiences with relatable ideas. ‘A comprehensive introduction to the why, what and how of Soft Power; Timely, thoughtful and trenchant.‘ KISHORE MANDHYAN, FORMER POLITICAL DIRECTOR, CABINET OF THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL ‘A much-needed spotlight on the need for India to reprioritise its Soft Power’ SUHASINI HAIDAR, DIPLOMATIC EDITOR, THE HINDU ‘A quirky mix of hard research and personal narrative’ TEJASVI SURYA, HON’BLE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT ‘This book has a soul, a positive intent and is firmly supported by strong intellectual understanding; must be discussed by national leaders and the mainstream media’ RAHUL EASWAR, AUTHOR ‘The Blue Elephant charts out a dynamic path to embolden India in times to come’ MIRA MISRA KAUSHIK, ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE ‘An interesting concept distilled in a unique and relatable manner. Our vibrant youth must be aware of our Soft Power potential’ DR RITESH MALIK, ENTREPRENEUR ‘An easy read as it shares Rahul’s experiences across his travels’ DATO ONG ENG BIN, CEO, OCBC BANK MALAYSIA ‘A great view of the steps India must take to assert itself on the global stage’ BALAJI VISWANATHAN, QUORA TOP WRITER ‘Rahul has chosen a fascinating topic and expressed his thoughts breezily, with flair’. SHASHANK MANI TRIPATHI, FOUNDER, JAGRITI YATRA ‘Soft Power presents a huge opportunity for India, the country that aims to be the next great power. Rahul Das hammers home this idea comfortably in The Blue Elephant.’ SUBRAMANI MANCOMBU, EXECUTIVE EDITOR, SWARAJYAMAG