India's Essence: Discovered by an Outsider

I've yet to encounter a foreigner who has grasped India's legacy, culture, principles, character, and identity with such profound depth – truly, far more insightfully than many Indians who live here and are immersed in "Indianness" around the clock.

Oprah Winfrey's Insightful Revelation

Many people know Oprah Winfrey as an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor, who is best known for 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'. 

Image Credit: Internet

Listen to her remarkably powerful speech titled: 

Why is America openly supporting Pakistan against India? 

What made it so striking was that she used the terms "America" and "Pakistan" just once to frame the subject; the rest of her talk was a deep focus on India, the nation, rather than its leadership.

Oprah's understanding of India surpasses that offered by any contemporary Indian, even leaders like PM Modi - who crafted its vision, EAM Jaishankar - who explains it to the rest of the world, or MP Shashi Tharoor - who articulates it in his inimitable style.  This suggests that perhaps an outsider's perspective is truly needed for a deeper comprehension of India.

Grasping India's Core

Oprah emphasized that a India's strength and worth stem from its identity, purpose, and integrity, rather than seeking external validation or reacting to others' actions. She went on to say:

• India, with its history and democratic foundation, doesn't need to chase validation.

• India focuses on its aspirations, economic strength, and global leadership because it aligns with its mission.

• India has earned global respect through perseverance and democratic strength.

• India's progress in various fields speaks volumes and its strong character lets the world recognize its true strength.

• India responds to provocations with a measured and purposeful approach, rather than emotional outbursts; reacts thoughtfully, considering the long-term impact.

• India's identity is defined by its values, creations, and legacy, not by its rivals or conflicts; it builds a future based on its principles and focusing on its purpose.

• India prioritizes inner strength, long-term vision, and principled action over seeking external validation or getting entangled in reactive responses to others.

Oprah talks about the collective mission of progressive India that the government has set for its people. 

Pause, Rewind, Reflect

You'll find yourself wanting to listen to every sentence at least twice and ponder them for minutes. While the speech's national context is clear, much of her wisdom resonates deeply on a personal level too.

I highly recommend this speech as essential listening for every member of India's diplomatic outreach mission that India has launched. It offers invaluable insights for explaining our nation's stance on the Pahalgam terror attack and its subsequent retaliatory actions against Pakistani.

This speech, with its insightful content and impartial observations about India, deserves to go viral. I truly hope Prime Minister Modi and the government will ensure it reaches every single resident of India.