One man that the Indian diaspora—or for that matter global audiences interested deeply in Hinduism, Indian culture and civilizational heritage—really want to meet and hear on a regular basis is Dr Karan Singh, the president of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. One of the prime reasons for that is the brilliance of Dr Singh’s oratory and his articulateness of India’s history, philosophy and its ancient heritage and culture. Dr Karan Singh blends in a deep understanding of India’s rich and ancient literature and arts with a world vision of global cultural events, both past and present. Truly, he is India’s Cultural Ambassador.

He’s held myriad high titles in his life that mortal men would find it impossible to acquire over lifetimes. On the cover we have his interview, one in which he speaks on a range of subjects from India’s engagements with its diaspora to the Romas of Europe, to his growing up in Kashmir and his education while holding the position of chancellor of the Jammu and Kashmir University, and on to the dire need for bringing in our rich dialogic heritage into our education system.

We also take a look at a recent Ernst and Young attractiveness survey for India 2014 called Growing Beyond. It analyzes India as an investment destination, and is also aimed at helping Governments remove barriers for future growth. A two-step methodology analyzes both the reality and perception of FDI. The findings are based on the views of representative panels of international and local opinion leaders and decision-makers.

We have other interviews in the magazine with members of the Indian diaspora, including one with Kirty Mata Badal, a 24-year-old third generation Indian-origin law graduate from the University of Leiden who is a youth representative at the United Nations from Netherlands.

Happy reading.

(sayantanc@gmail.com)