Answer:

Introduction

Persuasion is the art of convincing someone to adopt a particular belief or act in a certain way. Social influence refers to the impact that others have on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours..

Body

Role of persuasion and social influence in transformation of Indian society

• Celebrity endorsements: Influential personalities endorsing social causes can enhance their visibility and credibility. Actor Priyanka Chopra’s association with the Girl Rising campaign aimed at educating girls and fighting gender discrimination through social influence.
  
• Grassroots movements: Empowering marginalized communities through persuasion can lead to collective action and social change. The Chipko movement in the 1970s used persuasive strategies to protect forests and promote sustainable development.
• Ethical leadership: Influential leaders who embody ethical values can inspire and mobilize individuals towards positive societal transformation. E.g. leaders like Anna Hazare and his influence led to passage of the Lokpal Act.
• Policy advocacy: Persuasive strategies can be employed to advocate for policy reforms that address societal issues. LGBTQ+ rights activists successfully influenced the Supreme Court of India to decriminalize homosexuality in the Navtej Singh Johar case.
• Social media activism: The selfie with daughter campaign under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao to persuade people towards gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• Empathy and storytelling: Persuasive narratives can highlight social issues, such as poverty and gender inequality. For instance, campaigns like #MeToo have created awareness and led to collective efforts for change.
• Education and awareness: They can raise awareness about social problems and ethical values. Initiatives like the National Education Policy in India aim to transform the education system, fostering inclusivity and ethical citizenship.

Role of persuasion and social influence to stimulate a mindset free from the remnants of colonialism

• Education: Promoting inclusive and diverse curricula that emphasize the contributions of Indian culture and history, challenging the colonial narratives. For instance, incorporating local perspectives and narratives in history textbooks.
• Media Representation: Encouraging media platforms to portray diverse Indian voices and stories, providing alternative narratives to challenge colonial stereotypes. The film “Lagaan” challenged the portrayal of Indians as passive subjects.
• Cultural Celebrations: Promoting festivals and cultural events that celebrate Indian traditions and heritage, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. The “Holi Festival of Colors” showcases Indian culture globally.
• Language Preservation: Supporting the preservation and promotion of regional languages, which were often marginalized during colonial rule. The revival of Sanskrit and other indigenous languages demonstrates this effort.
• Interdisciplinary Dialogues: Encouraging interdisciplinary research and dialogues to challenge Eurocentric perspectives. The Indian Science Congress Association’s theme on “Reaching the Unreached Through Science and Technology” is an example.
• Collaborative Efforts: Promoting collaborations between Indian and international scholars, artists, and activists to challenge colonial narratives. Projects like the “India and the World” initiative at the Victoria and Albert Museum encourage such collaborations.

Conclusion

By employing persuasion and social influence ethically, Indian society can undergo transformative changes as well as, it can gradually foster a mindset free from the remnants of colonialism, embracing a more inclusive and culturally diverse society.

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