Yugo Sako’s Lost Legacy: How the Anime Ramayana Highlights India’s Overlooked Potential in Using Indic Narratives for Global Influence
Introduction
In the first decade of the 21st century, South Korea embarked on a bold journey to establish itself as a global cultural powerhouse. By dedicating a substantial portion of its GDP to arts and culture, South Korea set a precedent for how national policy can be leveraged to project soft power on the global stage. This strategy, inspired by similar efforts in the United States and Japan, has not only yielded significant cultural influence but also considerable economic returns.
In contrast, India’s rich cultural heritage has not seen similar strategic support, resulting in a gradual erosion of Indic culture in the popular sphere. This article explores the successes of global cultural policies, the decline of Indic cultural influence, and the urgent need for a national policy to revitalize and project India’s cultural narratives.
South Korea: A Case Study in Cultural Soft Power
The Birth of Hallyu: The Korean Wave
South Korea’s cultural renaissance began with a visionary policy to allocate 1% of its GDP — amounting to approximately $1 billion — towards nurturing its arts and culture sector. This funding was distributed across universities, agencies, film studios, and more, with the primary objective of exporting Korean culture and establishing a global presence. The policy bore fruit rapidly, with the rise of the “Korean Wave” or “Hallyu,” encompassing K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cinema.
Cultural Achievements and Economic Success
The success of this policy is evident in the accolades and financial returns South Korea has garnered. In 2020, the film Parasite made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, a testament to the global reach of Korean cinema. The country’s music industry, led by K-pop bands like BTS, has generated billions in revenue and cultivated a dedicated international fanbase. As of last year, South Korea’s cultural exports brought in a staggering $85 billion, showcasing the economic potential of a well-supported cultural sector.
Protecting Cultural Identity: The Quota System
To further safeguard and promote its cultural identity, South Korea implemented a quota system in cinemas, requiring theaters to screen a minimum number of Korean films before showing imported ones. This policy ensures that domestic films have a platform to thrive, maintaining the prominence of Korean culture both at home and abroad.
Japan: The Global Reach of Anime
Similar to South Korea, Japan has effectively used its cultural products to exert soft power. Japanese anime, for instance, has become a global phenomenon, influencing millions worldwide. The works of directors like Hayao Miyazaki not only entertain but also introduce audiences to Japanese culture, traditions, and philosophies. This cultural export has helped Japan maintain a significant presence on the world stage, proving that art and culture can be powerful tools for diplomacy and influence.
The Decline of Indic Culture in the Global Sphere
Missed Opportunities: The Ramayana Anime
India, with its rich cultural heritage, has unfortunately not seen similar success in promoting its cultural narratives. A telling example is the anime Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama. Created by Japanese filmmaker Yugo Sako, a self-professed Hindu and avid follower of Indic stories, this film had the potential to introduce the epic tale of Ramayana to a global audience through a captivating medium.
Despite its artistic merit, the film faced numerous challenges, primarily due to the lack of support from the Indian government. The Congress government at the time refused to co-produce the film, fearing it would be associated with the Rama Janmabhoomi movement. Further complications arose when the Vishwa Hindu Parishad halted its release, deeming the cartoon format disrespectful to the story of Rama. As a result, the film never received the recognition it deserved in India, nor did it succeed in reaching international audiences.
The Forgotten Legacy of Yugo Sako
Yugo Sako’s dedication to Indic culture extended beyond the Ramayana anime. He had plans to create more films based on Indian epics, including a project titled “Lord Krishna: The Celestial Cowherd”. Unfortunately, his untimely death in 2012 ended these aspirations. Despite his contributions, Sako received no formal recognition from the Indian government, and his work remains largely uncelebrated in India.
Censorship and Cultural Marginalization: The Case of Chanakya
Another example of India’s neglect of its cultural narratives is the “Chanakya” TV series, directed by Chandra Prakash Dwivedi. The show, which aired on Doordarshan, was a masterful portrayal of ancient Indian history, with meticulous research and authentic representation. However, despite its popularity, the series was abruptly cut short by Doordarshan, which labeled it as propaganda. In contrast, shows like “Tipu Sultan” were allowed to continue, highlighting a biased approach to cultural representation.
Dwivedi has spoken about the challenges of promoting Indic literature and culture in modern India, lamenting that works like “Shakuntala” are more appreciated abroad than in their country of origin. His comments underscore a broader issue: the erosion of Indic culture in the face of external influences and internal apathy.
The Urgent Need for a National Policy on Indic Culture
Cultural Erosion and Identity Crisis
India’s youth today are increasingly influenced by Western culture, with little exposure to the richness of their own heritage. Traditional practices and values are often dismissed as outdated, and there is a growing disconnect from India’s cultural roots. This erosion of cultural identity is not just a loss of tradition but a potential crisis of identity for future generations.
The Role of the Government in Cultural Revival
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged the need to preserve and promote Indic culture, suggesting initiatives like video games based on Indian stories. However, beyond rhetoric, there has been little in terms of concrete policy action. The time is ripe for a comprehensive national policy that invests in the preservation and promotion of Indic texts, arts, and narratives, much like South Korea and Japan have done for their cultures.
Reviving Indic Narratives as Global Soft Power
A robust cultural policy could help India reclaim its cultural narratives and project them on the global stage. Just as yoga has become a worldwide phenomenon, other aspects of Indic culture, from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to traditional art forms and practices, have the potential to captivate global audiences. However, for this to happen, there needs to be a concerted effort to modernize and adapt these narratives for contemporary consumption, while maintaining their essence and authenticity.
Conclusion
The success stories of South Korea and Japan demonstrate the power of strategic cultural policies in establishing global influence. India, with its vast cultural wealth, has the potential to do the same. However, this requires a shift in perspective, recognizing the importance of cultural heritage not just as a relic of the past, but as a vital asset for the future. The government must take decisive action to support and promote Indic culture, ensuring that it remains a living, dynamic force in the world today. Only then can India truly harness the power of its cultural heritage as a tool for soft power on the global stage.
~ Aditya
