Why nations should pursue "soft" power | Shashi Tharoor

www.ted.com India is fast becoming a superpower, says Shashi Tharoor -- not just through trade and politics, but through "soft" power, its ability to share its culture with the world through food, music, technology, Bollywood. He argues that in the long run it's not the size of the army that matters as much as a country's ability to influence the world's hearts and minds.
TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at www.ted.com/translate. Watch a highlight reel of the Top 10 TEDTalks at www.ted.com/index.php/talks/top10
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[@pranavgada04]

indian speak about india in front of foreign nationals. praises india in front of foreign nationals. and ends the session with receiving a standing ovation from foreign natiionals!! Now THAT is something called SOFT POWER!!!!

[@ShahidMohammedZubair]

Sad and true.

[@AbhishekRajNahar]

pranav gada His talk took place in Mysore so I assume most of the people sitting are Indians

[@ankushmenat]

Shhh. SUPAHPAWAH 2020!!

[@diptorajsaha3703]

john smith 0pp0p0000000p0

[@roshanrane3112]

Isn't the title misleading? The talk is a gem. A better title would do more justice to it.

[@lawron2]

I'm not an Indian but Dr.Shashi got me to love India. He is so brilliant and eloquent. I want to meet him now.

[@tarun_6864]

***** see the work not his personal life. He is contributing to the country more than u and me .

[@tarun_6864]

***** What are you trained for to write comments on his videos ? I got the point u look at only negatives , i never knew someone's gf is not a personal life today. Thanks.

[@santhoshkthampi3153]

👍

[@xyzabc9628]

+Tarun Shetty these people are coined as "bhakts", they are characterized by senseless and often meaningless speech...can recognise if u spot one, assure u of that.

[@shiva4ever]

+Xyz Abc oh yes, whenever you fail to defend your stand rationally then fall back on name calling. BTW, 'bhakts' LOVE being called bhakts.....unlike the chappal chaatu chamchas of the Congress who DETEST being called by their real name of 'chamchas'. At the end of the day, it is the results that do the talking. You may love the scam-a-day UPA, fawn over hypocritical and venal 'doon school' types, swoon over the wannabe angrez NGO aunties and uncles.......BUT it is the NDA that will deliver India out of the mess and bring it its due! Not your fake Gandhis and the opportunistic tharoors!

[@sijiharold2045]

Teacher : state a word with the letter 'C' Me: CAT Shashi Tharoor: 15:44

[@krishnaahirwar3801]

Nice Shot....

[@TheSaneInternational-SNI]

Ya I was also taken aback by this...

[@MysteryHistery]

😂😂😂

[@sumithrasumi6561]

The smart kid in the class

[@chotai]

I could only pronounce my surname 😅 Recall*

[@winstonpinto7681]

This guy is a phenomenal speaker.

[@anumm89]

Well said.

[@bhavesh099]

No doubt 😮😮

[@jominmathews9128]

This guy once ran for UN Secretary General

[@extremememer]

@@jominmathews9128 And was UN Under general Secretary

[@AlokeSurin]

You may agree or disagree with his take on "soft power" but you cannot deny that he is an extremely eloquent and entertaining speaker....

[@jayd7238]

Aloke Surin ABSOLUTELY!!!

[@pauldecoster]

HIs eloquence is icing on the cake of the message he sends and what we can learn from it.

[@allazharduisenbek9936]

Indeed, his command of English language quite impressive :)

[@athirdchannel174]

yes he is but not good enough to head the u.n .indians have inherent qualities of carrying tales, they can run buisness but not u.n head

[@sukhmanjotkaurdhaliwal5449]

I love his accent and his english...his skills to capture the audience.....his oratory ❤ everything about him his elegant in a way when he speaks.

[@Harlock2day]

As an Italian I love Indian people and culture and I am so impressed by this man. The rise of India’s as a superpower is great for all mankind and is an asset for World peace.

[@infoholiccs]

Yes he's a man with an educated mind in real...

[@NP-zl7dz]

'So the Empire can strike back!' Boom.

[@imperialschoolofexcellence5761]

Superb...This man is simply amazing with his speeches.

[@nerfdrago123]

My mom always loved Shashi taror since i was a kid. Now after attaining a sense of maturity, I have a wholr new level of respect for this guy and my mother country... India

[@uttamprakash4309]

Did she told him?

[@Vartikas.illustrations]

Tharoor*

[@TSDatta]

Superb. It is a shame that such talent is being under utilized. He must be part of the government.

[@acemaster9122]

+Thakur Datta Agreed, Imagine how he could have contributed in the current government.

[@milansharma8828]

john smith so true..😂she ranked my university in top 100 universities of india...and in real they don't even have 200 people's

[@ebinesvthundupurackal7446]

Akshath Manikandan Yeah I like modi personally but some of his measures were not even effective but it also brought economic depression for several months and now his GDP measure is good but but his demonisation was not and in military he have done many good things but he swing more to the side of US nowadays that our strongest and oldest allie swing in retaliation which is not very good he indeed contolled and solved the problem with the chinese army which i appreciate him but he the prices of daily needs like fuels have gone up drastically and even though milan up there give a example on how inappropriate is to get someone like her in that position you support her

[@ahrarzain7826]

Akshath Manikandan smriti irani is a wonderful education leader...say that again.....hahahahahahahahaha0

[@gyanprakashrai9412]

Ahrar Zain if your opinion really matters then why weren't you able to choose someone else! So better know your place! She had been elected and her party won ! It's majority of people who choose a govt. Not an ignorant. So don't act childish

[@kaushikreddy9920]

13:00 is surely gonna give some goosebumps to any Indian. Proud to be an Indian. 🇮🇳

[@sohammanna7929]

Exactly! 😍

[@devilJATT5911]

@@sohammanna7929 Bas ab koi brainwashed gobar khane wala nhi aa jaye

[@sohammanna7929]

@@devilJATT5911 😂😂😂

[@pooravsankhyan7700]

Brooo you don't know nothing . I know some Pakistanis , they know more than us on how the ' minorities' are treated in India

[@amrutha.pkumaramrutha7650]

That was amazing...

[@niveshproag8660]

He made another incredible speech in Oxford. "Britain does owe reparations" I think it's called. It's on youtube.

[@imhabibur]

That was a masterpiece.

[@besongoben5820]

@@imhabibur absolutely

[@D4Mathur]

India being India, that is what works best! well said!

[@nidhinarun]

Where would have been India, had we have atleast 50% of our politician of his caliber ?

[@sumitsinghthakur2930]

Akshath Manikandan Strong opposition is also necessary. Too bad we have Rahul Gandhi in opposition. Rahul Gandhi..really?

[@thakuranuraganand738]

Modi is the worst thing that has happened to this country since independence,.. I voted for BJP thinking Congress was corrupt now it feels like Modi was a worse choice.. IDK what the future holds for India

[@ebinesvthundupurackal7446]

Akshath Manikandan yeah modi is good but some of his works are not good as he thinks i like modi myself and no offense but tharoor is a highly educated knows most of the history of India as well as knows how to make India better than how it is now (Modi also know that at a certain level he is trying his best but i think tharoor could have done better)

[@ebinesvthundupurackal7446]

Thakur Anurag Anand modi is not so bad when we look at at it as he was hoping for the good of India but it somehow go well and he really want to make India free of poverty but it will make the rich unhappy who all give all the parties their money so

[@gauravtyagiexperience76]

Sorry for offend you but he is a good speaker not a good leader or politician

[@KarishmaSahai]

Standing ovation.

[@Chandrashekharsaha4R]

Karishma Sahai Really he deserves that he made our country proud worldwide

[@sinishabnam6855]

He deserves much more

[@arafathossain3730]

Dr.Shashi made it to Bangladesh last year,and I got the news at 11 am the earlier night,I woke up early in the morning,and rushed to listen to his speech in the academy,it was a full house,but I still sat on the stairs.I went there just to see him talk,he has a magical voice!

[@pranav4214]

Oh god I miss my India! Please god give back India as it was! It is so depressing to watch this 2019 Dec. Everything the guy said has changed now 😭😭😭😭

[@SuperRagala]

Looks like Most Indians don't share the same opinion

[@wasimali6634]

Not only Dr, Shashi Tharoor is an eloquent speaker, but he is also a good visionary person as well

[@shubhamdg5653]

This man has something magical going for him when he speaks.

[@lizreeja2326]

Dr Tharoor is indeed in the right place at the right time. What an inspiring speech for the unbiased Indian youth !!! Loads of responsibility in his shoulder to revive his party...

[@Eldhoi]

India in a nutshell, One of the best speeches i ever heard...

[@animeshkaran5659]

Always a pleasure listening to this man. He is steady, confident and makes a concrete connection with the audience.

[@kks81]

Dr Shashi Tharoor, someone we can proudly project to the world as proud Indians

[@sasiganeshkumar84]

He is the superstar as far as public speaking is concerned

[@ypimages]

This is how I know my country

[@sagarkochar]

Well actually I have a lot of freinds who crib about as to when India will overtake US and China, we'll my philosophy is pretty much aligned with Dr tharoors Idea's for India. I say that its not about overtaking someone ! its more about your own identity evolving to a level where others start respecting it and taking it seriously ! and that is why soft power is so important !! All countries races are based on identity. So India henceforth has to decide what it wants to be identified with...the biggest democracy in the world, a diverse country with innumerus cultures, religions and traditions coexisting together, a country which manage's to pullot all of its population out of poverty by lets say 2030, a country with 100% literacy rate, a country which excels in infrastructre in its own unique and innovative ways, a country which is able to provied hope to more than a billion people and a country that becomes a major player in the world !! I Think its all about the out of the box thinking and open minedness which i believe the young generation of india is very much capable of !! And that they need to realize and re-realize this potential in them and that each contribution and idea no matter how small is going to change the face of this country forever !! And speaking of a country like US, the country has its own model of the society and how things should be and should be done. They have introduce certain things to the world which is now synonumus to their culture, history and tradition which have been adopted by other countries and which btw work quite well all around the world. And anyways storytelling is mark of all civilization but to tell the story you want to tell, you've got to make your world in such a way that can get the right and positive attention from others !!

[@niveshproag8660]

Overtaking them will sure amplify the soft power of India though.

[@agupta9097]

And overcoming US in per capita GDP is gonna take a really long time. It will take at least a generation if everything goes right.

[@thunderstorminmyblood3705]

Exactly!

[@karma6746]

Thanks to modiji, overtaking China is damn near impossible now.

[@paulrasiah]

The Indian DNA is not primed the lead the world.You could not handle the JNU nor the anti CAA bill and you are talking of being a world power.The biggest joke of the 21 century. Sorry.

[@alanpauls007]

Tharoor.. You always open my mind in ways i cant comprehend!!

[@naveensidda3200]

I loved his way of articulating the issue..

[@sanketsingh1541]

Who wants to see Mr.Tharoor as our Prime Minister?

[@waqqaselahi3946]

@@blueorange6593 how can you say he murdered his wife.

[@somdeepkundu2506]

@@blueorange6593 dont watch too much republic tv bro. You're been brainwashed by bjp rss propaganda.

[@barunjena6171]

Shashi tharoor is the only rational choice

[@shanmukhag2349]

Not me. He is more suitable for foreign affairs or something like that.

[@lostraven9728]

He murdered his wife

[@vtb666]

He is amazingly Eloquent and very brilliant. Someone of this caliber needs to be part of our Government and be an Icon internationally. Listening to his speeches, fills me with an overwhelming pride for our nation and at the same time I feel sorry that such a talented and Capable Man is kept in the Shadows by the powers that be .

[@linthasaleem6398]

It’s depressing to watch this in 2019 😐

[@jarheadmoothedath3432]

True :(

[@dorararo]

I agree, but there's learning with every experience. India would eventually come out of this phase, hopefully with better social psychology

[@monjir8707]

No it's good we are understanding how capitalism is good

[@Ajay-pj2hv]

@@monjir8707 how is capitalism good?

[@nefertiti18z]

Yeah man... 🙁

[@Punditube]

12:56 One of the devine messages people should learn from mother India; people should really not care about religions...they are but only man-made distractions from the real issues at hand...don't look back, look ahead! love

[@kundansand111]

Looking back and comparing with today ,sorry but my heart can't bear so much pain.

[@jayd7238]

I love my country... its people...all the pains and all the joys! We, all your sons and daughters, will take care of you! Thank you Mr. Tharoor!

[@kundansharma2945]

Every time I watch someone explaining true INDIA, it strengthens and deepens my love for my motherland. Motivates me to contribute to it's sustainable development. ,😊😊🤗🤗

[@jooniesjam7993]

Exactly

[@sonups8483]

Your name 😂😂😂

[@Raj-bu7kg]

Shashi Tharoor speech always gives Proud, patriotic feeling :)

[@adityanjsg99]

Tharoor simply has thorough understanding of complexity of international relations.

[@MrJerrine]

Shashi Tharoor is a promising politician. He is capable to guide the country and raise the standard of the country to higher levels..

[@santoshbaligar]

Such an amazing speaker

[@ashweta21]

WOW STANDING OVATION🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@ayushs08]

Well much or rather most of his speech is from his book "The Elephant, the Tiger, and the Cell Phone". But a very good speech though.

[@karma6746]

What you mean is "the book was better!"

[@TheNerges]

Shashi Tharoor, time and again, so eloquently expresses the true soul of Indian humanity!

[@2808Nero]

We need him as our Indian prime minister. More than ever

[@BlensonPaul]

He is like Bheeshma, , wise but in the wrong side..

[@kundansand111]

@@BlensonPaul He is in correct side, Bhisma was also The same thing about both of them is the young generation (fruit of nepotism) came and poluted and spoiled all values and virtues respected by people of thier side.

[@kundansand111]

Yes he should be our PM atleast then education will improve there will be employability and there will be low crimes and politics of polarisation will came to an end.

[@mrranasingh0073]

😂😂😂

[@extremememer]

Yes correct

[@Mhyque]

What an excellent speech. I was moved by his passion, and also his reason. Well done!

[@gunjanverma4667]

Always a treat to listen. Like a music on a weary day so is your speech in today's India

[@tiptoptoptip9880]

Mr Tharoor you deserve the seat of prime Minister of India....hats off

[@chentibaimchen5335]

He is wise that fools will take trouble to understand

[@anilakolkar9356]

We will be a great nation if we have politicians like him..what a charisma

[@suryanarayanabegur2026]

he was matter-of-fact,very statistical in his approach to the ideas he was enumerating,very eloquent and quite humorous too, shashi tharoor is a man who has behind him vast exposure and workable intelligence quotient to his credit,his talks are characterized by side humour,and a lot of quotable-quotes too.

[@akenglishclasses9151]

liked the video without listening a single word because whenever you listen Mr Shashi Tharoor it's very obvious that whatever he will say is totally very much important and meaningful for young turks

[@gtomurthy]

Exceptional orator as always he is, with dynamic and pluralistic thoughts, imbibed by him through all walks of life residing in India. Proud of him, for escalating Indian-ness all over the world as Swami Vivekananda did in past.

[@anudeepsrivastav]

No wonder he is a doc ... Kudos to Shashi sir .

[@ThiruraghavanMadhugiriSeshadri]

A true way of expressing how T.E.D translates to India.

[@rshas3]

This talk was given ten years ago in 2009, and is as relevant in 2019 as it as then. It is unfortunate that most Indians, wake up in the morning and go about their activities of the day, without the slightest notion of India’s heritage and its place in the global economy. They also should be the target of this message, to give them hope, a vision that they can aspire to. Taught in the schools and as an entertaining story via TV.

[@karma6746]

Not at all. Open your eyes and take a look at reality!

[@zeal07]

I'm proud to be an Indian

[@RahulSaraf86]

mrcryingnarcissus Now I understand the meaning of your name.

[@wickedslag]

Awesome sir, you remainded me to feel proud as an Indian..

[@gaganchandhok3567]

His English is music to my ears. I recently read his Wikipedia and I'm startled by his achievements. Imagine him as the PM of India. India would become the next Canada in no time. Although difficult, Dr. Tharoor would've strived hard to bring liberal and progressive reforms in this country

[@The_mytuber]

I think he joined the politics too late.

[@nitinranjan8041]

Very inspiring for all of us Indian, thank you god give us some more like Sashi tharoor...

[@ASHISHKNAINAN27]

He is a legend.. Thats how we expect the politicians of our country to be :)

[@obhush]

10 years later "Tulsi" and her party are trying hard to change almost everything Dr. Tharoor spoke about.

[@a4aLien]

I'm so happy to see us Pakistanis and Indians mingling together, happily, over the comment section. Way to go brothers nd sisters, I love us all!

[@eddierocksteady5740]

I'm not an Indian but Dr.Shashi Tharoor got me to love India so well right here. He is so brilliant and eloquent. I want to meet him now, This is a visionary man and a phenomenal speaker. This is one on the best TEDTALKS that i have watched on KZbin. A Standing Ovaaaaation!!!!!

[@shuhaibch7658]

Mr shashi tharur is great leader of india,he was written lot of book about politics,he ownered lot of possition on government,l pray for you can be able to get the priminister of india

[@frankschest8584]

A warrior for our country, a true patriotic who willing left all his fortune to be of service for his country. But the weapons of this warrior is words and he fights for each and everyone of us Indians. Everytime he speaks its feels like poetry to me. Long live our dearest MP from kerala. I get goosebumps from his speeches

[@dextor0000]

Why does this guy always leave me speechless, teary eyed, and full of emotions at the end of speech

[@abireducation8193]

My sir always said.. If you understand concept of soft power you must watch Dr. Shashi tharoor video.. What a extraordinary masterpiece video... Really proud of Indian... ❤🇮🇳

[@santoshsethi4350]

Afghanistan's fact was quite surprising.

[@rajindudickwella4195]

It is true with Sri Lanka also. A lot of criticisms came along though. But people got addicted.

[@rovivonolhoushe3488]

Is it just me or I keep coming here again and again! Masterpiece!

[@UnknownProject11]

Doint this for my global politics assigment

[@vijayakumar2967]

13:00 YES, THIS IS MY INDIA❤

[@rastanura11]

Watched thousands of ted's ....never seen a standing ovation before. Greatest Indian orator !!! Simply wow ....

[@Pious-Inquisitor]

I'm never going to look at India the same, thank you the knowledge you have just given me

[@kshitijkulkarni8698]

Shashi Tharoor ! A nice speech!!

[@jobinjohn1992]

absolutely brilliant speech!! he makes me feel proud to be Indian....indeed we need politicians like him for the growth of our weak sides... hats off to him

[@zeetsoft]

I wish our government system would have such rule as we could work utite beyond the boundary of a party. Mr. Tharoor is an amazing and inspiring citizen or our nation who I aways seen contributing to making India proud. Thank you, Mr. Tharoor. God bless you.

[@ashraftaraky8377]

Great speech, well done Mr Tharoor. Love India

[@rameshsatya2181]

what fantastic presentation he is proud of india

[@avinashsingh6457]

I must say.. Its a proud moment for all of us Indians.. What a representation of the country India.

[@mymalobo]

A Great man with a great message given to all willing listeners to believe his message to go forward and perform his or her best in our fast growing country INDIA in all respects!

[@hrishikeshchanekar9846]

11 years ago we had the fourth largest army in the world. Now, we are at the top. Jai hind🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@1019raj]

WOW, Standing Ovation..... Good Job Done!!!

[@Sondre7]

Did you get the impression he was saying that none of those things exist in India? I sort of understood him as India having survived politicially despite bad odds. Now, I certainly would prefer if MORE people were like him, regardless of that being upperclass or not. He is intelligent, eloquent, artiulate, reflective and honest. I really enjoyed listening to him.

[@nasturcium]

Excellent and inspiring talk by Shashi Tharoor. India needs some of such personalities.

[@avinashpreeth]

Man he s jus epic speaker!

[@cooltimus89]

Interesting TED talk to watch in 2019.

[@poojashahapurkar7673]

Have hardly seen any TED talks where after finishing a speech, speakers are being given a standing ovation! Proud proud proud!

[@ayushjain3405]

And watching it coincidentally again after 5 years.. still incredible Tharoor as always.. still the same challenge as always..!

[@dipankarchattopadhyay5341]

the best thing i ever watched...hats off Sir....

[@jasdeepsinghgrover2470]

Watching the video 10 years down the timeline... It seems that there have been many positive changes but we are still far from our goals.

[@jimmyjoy93]

Really a great speech!! Proud to be Indian! Happy Independence Day to everyone!!!

[@karthikeyans4658]

Excellent and thought fullly put .when he talks about soft power and says Hollywood.my only thought was about the Renaissance the Malayalam film industry has done in the past 10 years and tamil industry to a certain extend(not as much as Malayalam but atleast second on line) bagging all international film festival awards and recognition and showcasing the true art of cinema that reflects society. That stands as a great example for soft power. These movies greatly changes the way world views us as indians .And it would be a crime not to mention baahuballi from south india which served as a great soft power also.i am tamil but I admire Malayalam and Tamil films equally respect to those film makers who promote soft power and image of our culture and daily lifestyle and our stories in the form of movies.after all its our story that world sees through our movies. Yoga is one another best things from india that is a great and proud part of our soft power globally.it surely is something india has to be proud about.

[@andy4an]

I haven't been huge fans of the Bollywood work I have seen thus far, because I don't have a long enough attention span, and they seem flippant and silly about everything, even if it is important. And yet, it is so easy to see why people love them and the potential they bring to the world stage. Its awfully refreshing and amusing.

[@jyotiraditya.patil16]

Wherever Mr.Tharoor gives speech he never forgets to Praise India 🇮🇳. His speaking skills are much than the Britishers ❤️🙌🏻

[@jc1762]

I've been listening to a lot of these TED talks with a lot of uplifting presentations (with a small share of rather drab ones). But I have to say Shashi Tharoor is almost leaps and bounds better than most. It's not a surprise to see he was considered for the UN Secretary General, the way he speaks and carries himself is incredible. An omnipresence no podium, text speech, and pauses while being perfectly timed. He is without doubt of one of this century's best academic orators. Bravo

[@AkshatMehrotra07]

One of the best portrayals of India and its people, culture etc.. Makes me feel so proud.. So true..

[@olnik777]

Superb Speech

[@kunafeh]

I have never seen such an energetic standing ovation given to anybody ever in TED.

[@nadeersha]

iam really proud of an Indian...I salute u Mr.Shashi Taroor.

[@amitdhanmapba3310]

Dr.Shashi Tharoor, my salutation and respect to your way of beautifully representing India, the way you deliver the content is impeccable. Thanks I'm from pondicherry your neighbour state, India.

[@adhunikmanav2638]

Not promoting this guy as Prime Minister candidate is Congresss biggest mistake. India seriously needs to shed the "Bhaio aur Behno" Politician.

[@sohammanna7929]

Easier said than done. People of India prefers those bhaio aur baheno leaders, so why would congress take the risk?

[@sinishabnam6855]

Everyspeech of him I hear, I just learn a lot of new things

[@harihar06]

Shashi Tharoor is flawless. His speech is outstanding.....

[@imAshwani.singh4]

Well...the best speech ever by an Indian,according to me.