‘Cultural Diplomacy’- Engaging peace through arts:A discussion with special reference to the South Asian region

Abstract

Heritage encompasses culture in its many facets of tradition, languages, architecture and arts including literature, films, dance, music, painting, sculpture etc. with a historical significance from the past and relevant in the present through the future. Cultural diplomacy opens a dialogue between nations through its arts to form the soft power while deliberating exchange and interaction amongst their people to harness love, peace and understanding. Such exchange of ideas and creativity has been common in the periods of the historical past amongst people beyond borders. Along with the focus on the Tangible Cultural Heritage, the Intangible Cultural Heritage also has gained great significance especially after UNESCO convened to safeguard them in 2003. A conversation, an interactive dialogue and collaboration of many aspects of cultural heritage of a region brings a better understanding and appreciation leading to peace in the region. Keeping this assumption in view, the present paper attempts to investigate cultural diplomacy as an instrument in engaging peace through arts with special reference to the South Asian Region.