Modi on India’s best global brands and more

Mumbai, 30 September 2013

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra odi today said that human values and plain living could be India’s best global brands. India lacked self-confidence and suffered from complex because of its 1,200 years of slavery.

Addressing the platinum jubilee celebration of International Advertising Association (IAA) representing 56 countries as the Chief Guest at Global Marketing Summit in Mumbai this late evening, he said there is historical reason that India could not build its brand even after six decades of Independence.

Mr. Modi said that there are many orators but not many communicators. He described Mahatma Gandhi as the best communicator of India and who would eventually put Brand India before the world. Mahatma Gandhi possessed both impressive marketing and inspiring marketing. He never wore a cap but ‘Gandhi cap’ became a brand. There were no Radio and TV during his times and yet his words reached people without distortions. He gave Khadi to the world. It should not be restricted as politicians’ wear but lifestyle dress.

“Had India projected only and only Mahatma Gandhi during the last 50 years, the entire world would have recognized him as a global brand for humanity by now, he said.

Mr. Modi gave another example of Sardar Patel, recognized by the world as Bismarck, fit to be brand of India.

Referring to the problem of global warming, he pointed out that India has through ages worshipped rivers and trees. While the world is going after exploitation of natural resources, India’s love for nature is being mocked at. India could build its love for nature as another brand.

Mr. Modi cited India’s 5,000-year-old heritage architecture as yet another global brand, neglected by modern India. The ancient civilization excavated at Dholavira is an excellent specimen of town planning. India has a rich heritage of its unique music and dance forms, family system and human values, neglected again.

He said that one cannot win the hearts of the people with economic or military power, but with soft power. India has yogic power, ayurveda, holistic healthcare and genetic sciences for the health and peace of the world. He pointed out that China is the world’s largest exporter of India’s herbal medicine. India’s meditation can relieve the world from stress and strain, save suicidal tendencies also.

“We could build India as a brand, only if every person feels proud of the country and love the country. Indian cuisine and organic farming has its origin in India. The list is endless,” he said.