"It was a wonderful experience interacting with you and appreciate the way you have planned and executed the whole publication process within the agreed timelines.”
Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh PalHow can India and the rest of the world use culture as a tool for shared progress? In The Blue Elephant, Rahul Das, a reverse migrant, consultant and backpacker explores Soft Power, an abstract topic in International Relations, by weaving together his experiences with relatable ideas.
‘A comprehensive introduction to the why, what and how of Soft Power; Timely, thoughtful and trenchant.‘
KISHORE MANDHYAN, FORMER POLITICAL DIRECTOR, CABINET OF THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL
‘A much-needed spotlight on the need for India to reprioritise its Soft Power’
SUHASINI HAIDAR, DIPLOMATIC EDITOR, THE HINDU
‘A quirky mix of hard research and personal narrative’
TEJASVI SURYA, HON’BLE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
‘This book has a soul, a positive intent and is firmly supported by strong intellectual understanding; must be discussed by national leaders and the mainstream media’
RAHUL EASWAR, AUTHOR
‘The Blue Elephant charts out a dynamic path to embolden India in times to come’
MIRA MISRA KAUSHIK, ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE
‘An interesting concept distilled in a unique and relatable manner. Our vibrant youth must be aware of our Soft Power potential’
DR RITESH MALIK, ENTREPRENEUR
‘An easy read as it shares Rahul’s experiences across his travels’
DATO ONG ENG BIN, CEO, OCBC BANK MALAYSIA
‘A great view of the steps India must take to assert itself on the global stage’
BALAJI VISWANATHAN, QUORA TOP WRITER
‘Rahul has chosen a fascinating topic and expressed his thoughts breezily, with flair’.
SHASHANK MANI TRIPATHI, FOUNDER, JAGRITI YATRA
‘Soft Power presents a huge opportunity for India, the country that aims to be the next great power. Rahul Das hammers home this idea comfortably in The Blue Elephant.’
SUBRAMANI MANCOMBU, EXECUTIVE EDITOR, SWARAJYAMAG
Rahul Das
Rahul Das’s grandfather was among the thousands who migrated to Malaysia (then Malaya) by boat during the first half of the 20th century. Even so, circumstances led to Rahul “reverse migrating” and spending his formative years in India, the country his grandfather had chosen to leave. Growing up across India, first as a reluctant outsider to now someone who considers himself as Indian as anyone can be, Rahul has had unique perspectives of the country.
A Computer Engineer by training, Rahul began his career working in Cambodia and Malaysia, before moving to Bangalore, India – where he currently resides – to work as a Consultant. Rahul has a variety of interests. He enjoys music and swimming and was (before COVID-19 struck!) a regular at the Latin dancing scene. He is a triathlete and intends to participate in the first post-COVID Half Iron Man he has access to. Rahul loves interspersing hectic periods at work with exciting backpacking trips. Several of the ideas for The Blue Elephant, his first book, have been inspired by the observations he made during his travels.
