PM MODI Turning heritage into soft power, meetings into memories

Narrators recall how PM Modi blends strategic vision with striking personal warmth — transforming Gujarat’s Uttarayan into a global soft-power showcase while, in private meetings, surprising individuals with his memory, humour and ability to make even ordinary professionals feel valued.

NARENDRA MODI CATAPULTED GUJARAT’S KITE FESTIVAL INTO AN INT’L EVENT

There are festivals that remain local celebrations, and then there are those that evolve into instruments of cultural diplomacy. Gujarat’s kite festival belongs firmly in the latter category today — and much of that transformation can be traced to the political imagination of Narendra Modi.

Kite flying during Makar Sankranti is not merely a recreational pastime; it is a civilisational ritual. Across India, and especially in Gujarat, rooftops turn into vibrant arenas of colour and competition as the sun begins its northward journey in Uttarayan. The transition of the sun into Capricorn marks the symbolic end of winter and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. It is a moment of cosmic realignment mirrored by social renewal on earth. Families gather, neighbourhood rivalries spark mid-air duels, and the sky becomes a canvas of collective aspiration.

Yet for decades, this exuberance remained largely confined to terraces in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat. It was a deeply cherished local tradition, but not a global spectacle.

As Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi recognised something others had overlooked: festivals are not just cultural expressions; they are strategic assets. In an age where nations compete not only through military or economic might but also through cultural projection, soft power matters. Modi understood that the energy of Uttarayan — its scale, spontaneity and visual splendour — could become a diplomatic calling card.

Institutional backing followed. The festival was formalised, organised and presented as the International Kite Festival. Government agencies worked to invite foreign participants, coordinate logistics and showcase Gujarat as a tourism destination. Modi himself often led from the front, flying kites publicly and turning the act into a symbolic gesture of leadership rooted in tradition.

Spectacle, when carefully curated, can shape perception. The transformation of the kite festival into an international event was not accidental; it was strategic. Foreign delegates began attending in increasing numbers. Giant artistic kites from different continents filled the skies over the Sabarmati Riverfront. Media coverage expanded beyond regional press into national and international outlets. What was once a neighbourhood celebration became a global calendar event.

In diplomatic terms, the festival offered something rare: a nonpolitical platform for engagement. When foreign guests visit Gujarat during the kite festival, they do not encounter policy briefings or formal negotiations first — they encounter colour, hospitality and shared joy. Cultural familiarity softens geopolitical edges. In that sense, the kite festival became a subtle instrument of India’s soft power.

Today, it is difficult to imagine Gujarat’s Uttarayan without its international dimension. Participants from across the world arrive with elaborate designs, transforming the skyline into a mosaic of global creativity. The event receives widespread press coverage and reinforces India’s image as a civilisation that blends tradition with modern outreach.

Narendra Modi’s foresight lay in recognising that cultural traditions need not remain static. With vision and institutional support, they can scale, travel and influence. The Gujarat kite festival’s journey from rooftops to global runways illustrates how local heritage, when strategically amplified, can become a tool of international engagement.

In elevating the kite festival to the world stage, Modi did more than promote an event. He demonstrated how culture, when aligned with governance and diplomacy, can become a powerful national asset.

‘Modi ji, a man of wit and wisdom’ - Anjana Om Kashyap, Senior journalist

my first meeting with Narendra Modi remains etched in my memory as an unexpectedly warm and insightful encounter. When one thinks of meeting a Prime Minister, the imagination conjures images of rigid protocol, formal distance and an air of guarded authority. Yet, what I experienced was quite the opposite. The interaction was remarkably relaxed, devoid of unnecessary paraphernalia, and marked by a personal ease that immediately dissolved any sense of intimidation.

Public perceptions of leaders are often shaped by political narratives and media frames. However, in close quarters, Modi ji came across as friendly, attentive and deeply informed. What surprised me most was his knowledge about us. We had gone in believing we knew much about him — his speeches, policies and public persona — but he seemed equally aware of our professional journeys. His familiarity with my work, particularly given my association with Hindi media, genuinely astonished me. I consider myself an ordinary professional, and yet he made me feel seen and valued. That, to me, is the mark of an astute leader — the ability to make individuals feel important.

During our conversation, he remarked with candour, “I know you are trolled a lot on social media for your views.” There was no hint of criticism, only constructive counsel. He advised that instead of being perturbed by constant commentary, one should extract lessons from criticism — correct oneself where necessary and view detractors as unintended guides for self-improvement. It was a profound life lesson delivered in a simple, conversational tone. The message was clear: resilience and introspection must go hand in hand.

Equally striking was his sense of humour. It was neither forced nor rehearsed, but spontaneous and affectionate. Our cameraman, who had known him from earlier interactions, accompanied us. Modi ji greeted him warmly and immediately quipped about his weight — a familiar joke from years past. “You still haven’t reduced it,” he said with a smile. “Work harder and get slimmer.” The room burst into laughter. The exchange was light-hearted, yet it reflected continuity in relationships and memory.

That meeting left me with a lasting impression — of a leader who combines wisdom with warmth, seriousness with humour, and authority with an unmistakable human touch.

COMPILED AND EDITED BY SHASHIKANT SHARMA