PM Modi unveils 7-point ‘Sapta Dhara’ framework to boost soft power

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday outlined a seven-point reform framework, 'Sapta Dhara' or seven streams of strength, to accelerate India's journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Economic Times reports that the areas identified are manufacturing, farming, technology, Gati Shakti, defence, the green economy and soft power.

In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Modi called for a strategic push to India's soft power, urging greater global reach for yoga, Ayurveda, handicrafts, films, VFX, animation, gaming and digital content. Hindustan Times reports that he said yoga had connected India with the world and could be expanded through the 'Healing India' movement. On defence, Modi stressed self-reliance and India becoming a global supplier, including in hypersonic technologies.

Modi said that through the power of 'Sapta Dhara', the country could achieve in the next five to seven years what had remained unfinished over the previous five to seven decades. The seven areas, he added, should be pursued with a holistic approach rather than focusing on just one sector.