Diplomat by Day, Novelist by Heart: The Many Worlds of Trisha Sakhlecha

Trisha Sakhlecha bridges literature and diplomacy, reshaping India's global image through storytelling, cultural engagement, and a fresh creative perspective.

- MURTAZA ALI KHAN

Nestled in the cultural heart of Europe, The Tagore Centre at the Embassy of India in Berlin is quietly scripting a new chapter in India's soft power diplomacy. At its helm is Trisha Sakhlecha, who effortlessly straddles two vastly different worlds: a high-ranking cultural diplomat and an internationally acclaimed novelist.

With her latest novel The Inheritance garnering global recognition, Sakhlecha is fast becoming one of the most compelling Indian voices of her generation. Yet, even as she enjoys literary acclaim, she remains deeply invested in reimagining India's cultural narrative abroad through her work at The Tagore Centre.

"Berlin is a very important city in the cultural space," Sakhlecha says. "It drives the cultural conversation in Europe, and The Tagore Centre is well-primed to assume a pivotal role in shaping global perceptions about India."

For Sakhlecha, cultural diplomacy is far more than hosting a few gala evenings and exhibitions. As Director, her responsibilities extend into the very fabric of Berlin's vibrant cultural landscape. The Centre curates an ambitious calendar that ranges from classical music concerts and cutting-edge theatre productions to yoga and wellness workshops, contemporary art exhibitions, film screenings, and panel discussions.

"Our goal is to break old stereotypes and create new pathways for understanding India," she explains. Whether it's a Hindustani classical concert in the auditorium or India's largest non-commercial film festival abroad, the challenge is always finding ways to present India in its richest, most authentic diversity.