Perhaps, this came from an affinity for imported models, or perhaps it was a discomfort with its own practices.But now as the deepening of democracy has thrown up more authentic voices, the country is rediscovering itself and finding again its own persona, he said.Jaishankar said India is an exceptional nation because it is a civilisation state.Such a country will only exercise influence when it fully leverages its cultural strengths in the global arena, he said.”To that it is essential that we ourselves, the younger generation, are fully aware of the value and significance of our heritage.This can be articulated at various levels, but most importantly it should have an impact at the societal level,”he said.Jaishankar said India is poised today at a crucial juncture.On the one hand, the last decade has demonstrated that it has the capabilities, confidence and, most importantly, the commitment to advance development across broad fronts.It has shown that the age-old problems of poverty, discrimination and lack of opportunities can be indeed addressed.On the global stage, it has established itself as an independent power but one committed to global good, especially the well-being of the global south, he said.”At the same time, however, the constraints and limitations that have long been our bane still remain in place. There are viewpoints and ideologies which are more pessimistic and even denigrating of ourselves,” added Jaishankar.
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