Foreword
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India is known for its innovative approach to overcome obstacles. Be it implementation of massive sanitisation programmes, nationwide financial enrolment missions or endorsement of futuristic plans and ideas, the country has proven, time and again, that any problem can be solved if we apply ourselves with determination.
With this Issue of the India Perspectives magazine, we bring to you the recent developments on the diplomatic front that have enabled not just India, but countries across the world to adopt new ways of conducting leaders’ meetings and global summits while simultaneously facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We look at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recently concluded virtual summit with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison that explains how India has embraced new methods to continue the momentum of diplomatic engagements.
We then analyse how the Vande Bharat Mission has brought thousands of Indians safely back to their homeland in a humongous effort through air, land and sea routes. We also travel across Southeast Asia to understand the ancient cultural ties that are being strengthened and reaffirmed through India’s efforts to restore some of the most iconic and historic monuments which are a testimony to our shared civilisational and cultural links with the region.
We further look at how PM Modi’s vision is being realised through pioneering reforms and policies aimed towards reviving the economy post-COVID-19 and setting it on a fast-track to realise the goal of India becoming a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024. We then revisit the traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Siddha etc to understand their approach and their emergence as effective systems of alternative medicine to fight the Novel Coronavirus by boosting immunity.
Indian cuisine has traditionally been centred around a balanced diet as per seasonal variations. We explore the age-old recipes made up of everyday ingredients to beat the summer heat. We also present to you simple and traditional ways to make healthier culinary choices in contemporary times.
We partake in several concerts and conventions that have embraced the novel digital approach in order to connect to a large audience during the extended lockdown period and helping them overcoming boredom while spreading the message of peace and hope through melodies in turbulent times.
For our photofeature section, we journey across the country in awe of the valiant efforts of Indian frontline warriors and pay homage to their exemplary service to fight COVID-19. We also look at how the hospitality industry has reinvented itself and joined the fight against pandemic by aiding government efforts to contain the contagious disease.
Finally, we look at the changes made to the selection process of the Padma Awards in recent years and how the democratic exercise to select awardees has made it a more inclusive process which is bringing recognition and laurels to unsung heroes who have, through their deeds, dedicated themselves towards the betterment of society. We also pay our tribute to legendary personalities of Indian cinema and their contributions that will continue to reverberate across the celluloid for decades to come.

Anurag Srivastava