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Indian diplomacy benefits from country’s soft power, says former diplomat Ausaf Sayeed
He believes that the soft power of India including festivals from different parts of the country, yoga, religion and art is a big draw for people around the world.
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Ishani Duttagupta - Sat, 22, Aug 2026
- 14:49 EDT
- 44
Ausaf Sayeed / Courtesy Photo/ Ashfaq Syed
A new book by retired Indian diplomat and scholar Ausaf Sayeed, Indian Art and Culture: A Journey Through Time and Tradition, was recently launched at Northwest Suburban College in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
The work explores India’s cultural heritage and artistic traditions, offering an engaging look at the history, diversity, and legacy of Indian civilization.
Also Read: Former CG Somnath Ghosh unveils book exploring Indian Art and Culture
In an exclusive conversation on the sidelines of the event, ayeed, who has been Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia and Yemen and High Commissioner to Seychelles said, “Cultural engagement through diplomacy has always interested me and I feel it is important to foster and strengthen people-to-people connections along with political, economic and consular issues."
"During my diplomatic assignment in Egypt, I opened the official Indian cultural centre, the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, in Cairo. In Qatar, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and other assignments too, I organised several events that highlighted Indian arts, heritage, dance, music, theatre, culture and cinema,” he added.
He believes that the soft power of India including festivals from different parts of the country, yoga, religion and art is a big draw for people around the world. “Diplomatic missions benefit by engaging with India’s soft power. As the consul general of India in Chicago between 2013 and 2017, I discovered a big interest among several scholars and students about the rich Indian culture. I started a festival called the Kala Utsav which was a big draw not just for the Indian diaspora community but many others in Chicago,” Sayeed, who served for 34 years in Indian diplomatic service, said.
An earlier book, authored by him, Trends in Indian Culture and Heritage addressed the interest in Indian heritage among second and third generation Indian Americans and researchers, scholars and cultural enthusiasts.
“While there are some challenges on trade and geopolitical issues, the ties between India and the US continue to remain strong. Indian Americans have emerged as leaders in all walks of life and the community is respected everywhere.
Across America, several Indian Americans are participating in political and advocacy roles,” says Dr Sayeed who spends several months every year in Chicago with his sons and their families and also connecting with friends and community members.
The book launch event was a gathering of prominent South Asian and Indian community leaders, including Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago, professor Sampath Ramesh of Northwestern University, Naperville Councilman Ashfaq Syed, Streamwood Park District Commissioner Raees Yawer and president Northwest Suburban College, M.T. AliNiazee. The event highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and passing India’s traditions on to future generations.
During the book launch, Consul General Somnath Ghosh commended Sayeed’s work, noting that the book “beautifully reflects the richness, diversity, and continuity of our civilizational heritage”. He added that Dr. Sayeed's diplomatic experience and deep cultural insights make Indian art and culture an invaluable bridge for readers across generations.
Reflecting on his work, Sayeed emphasized the living history behind the text: “India’s art and culture tell the story of a civilization that has evolved over thousands of years while continuing to inspire the world. This book is an effort to celebrate that remarkable heritage and encourage greater global appreciation.”
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