INTRODUCTION

Professor Wang Gungwu's comments in this volume not only provide a brilliant overview of the historical perspective of the Indian diaspora but also set the tone for a comparative basis in dealing with this phenomenon by frequently referring to China and the historiography of the Chinese diaspora. In the context of East Asia, one can hardly discuss India, Indian civilization or Indian diaspora without inevitably being compared with China, Chinese civilisation or Chinese diaspora. There are useful parallels and divergences in their distinct but inter-connected histories that are valuable to bear in mind in thinking of the future of the Indian diaspora in East Asia. This chapters focuses on a few aspects of the Indian character that can both enrich and be enriched by its interaction with the East Asian cultures. It suggests a few ways in which Indians could contribute to a better life for others, a few ways in which Indians could better their own life and also a few ways in which Indians could calibrate their Indian-ness.

WHAT INDIANS CAN CONTRIBUTE

Many papers in this volume address the growth and impact of India's economic and political power. It would be helpful to introduce another dimension to the discussion of India and East Asia. It is what Harvard political scientist Joseph Nye had christened as “soft power”. He defines soft power as

Though there is voluminous literature on India's impact on Southeast Asia in the past, not much has been written about the current implications of the soft power India has wielded over the centuries across Southeast Asia. It is an area of study that should be encouraged as it holds many valuable lessons for India's future role in this region as well as on the global stage.

Let us touch on the past briefly and suggest some future opportunities relating to Indian soft power.