The magical aromas; the enchanting mudras; the never-ending festivities; the stillness within—India is known to envelop your senses and elevate your spirits. It is recognised as a country that considers the whole world a family; a civilisation where Nature is revered and even a river is given the status of a mother! What is it at the core of its people and its culture that makes it so distinctive and endearing? This in-depth and evocative analysis, innovatively conceptualised by the Editors, both of whom happen to be scholar-practitioners themselves, brings together some of the most credible names from diverse fields, including music, dance, theatre, cinema, textile, cuisines and traditional wisdom. It successfully encapsulates the essence of India’s cultural strengths, both as independent streams and within the global context. A rare volume that captures the rich and diverse spectrum of Indian cultural aspects at one place, as also their role in India’s quintessential connect with the hearts and spirits of humankind, this anthology is a treasure for scholars and practitioners of culture and diplomacy. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe is the President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, and a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra. Also, he is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, and Youth & Sports. Dr Sahasrabuddheb has a PhD in Political Science from the University of Mumbai. He has authored or edited about over half a dozen books in Marathi and English, and regularly contributes in the leading newspapers and journals. Sachchidanand Joshi is presently the Member Secretary of Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA). He is a renowned writer, theatre artist and academician, who served as Vice-Chancellor of Kushabhau Thakre Journalism University, Raipur. He has authored many books in a variety of disciplines such as short stories, poetry, satire and memoirs.