Writing for the Preservation of Culture:  Meet Shreeya Patil 

Aristotle identified a beautiful side of storytelling in his work The Poetics, describing the cathartic effect of seeing oneself in the story of another. Through his perspective we understand how stories allow us to reflect inward and connect with our own identity. Although he mainly focused on tragic stories, we cannot overlook the deep bonds storytelling may invoke in several areas of society. Stories are fundamental for the preservation of culture because they not only serve as a record of traditions, art, languages, beliefs, history and practices, but they also allow us to understand who we are and where we come from. 

Through the years, CCD-NL has embraced the constructive elements of storytelling for cultural heritage and social development. For this reason, we have shared blogs exploring various topics written by authors from diverse backgrounds. Our current Blog and Content Writer is Shreeya Patil, a young Indian student studying Political Science at Leiden University in the Netherlands, who is pursuing her dream of contributing to India’s foreign policy. In the last months, she has actively participated in CCD-NL's mission to promote culture and development through her writing.

We conducted a brief interview with Shreeya, where she shared her academic and professional aspirations, her role at CCD-NL, and her perspective on writing as a tool for cultural preservation.

Q: Can you tell us about your life in India?

A: I am originally from Pune, a city in the western part of India. Known as an educational hub, Pune is cosmopolitan and rich in history and traditions. Since childhood, I have enjoyed visiting historical sites and beautiful temples. One significant event that has influenced me is the extravagant festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, which deepened my awareness of my cultural roots and instilled pride in sharing our traditions and rituals.

Q: What led you to study Political Science at Leiden University in the Netherlands?

A: My passion for social sciences and politics motivated me to pursue both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science. I chose Leiden University because it is known as the city of peace and justice, hosting many international organizations and courts. The university's research-oriented courses align perfectly with my academic goals, and I look forward to the career opportunities this city offers as I near the completion of my degree.

Q: How have your experiences in India and the Netherlands influenced your views on culture and society?

A: Living in the Netherlands has highlighted the vast diversity of India, particularly in terms of language, food, lifestyle, and traditions. Unlike the culturally homogenous Netherlands, India showcases unique characteristics from north to south. I feel it is my responsibility to represent not just India but our way of life, helping to dispel stereotypes that exist in Europe.

Q: What areas of geopolitics and diplomacy interest you the most?

A: My interests focus on Indian foreign policy. I envision myself as a policymaker in the Indian External Relations Department, working within the Ministry of External Affairs to advance India’s interests on the global stage.

Q: What is your biggest dream?

A: My biggest dream is to contribute to India’s foreign policy and play an active role in enhancing its international relations and diplomacy.

Q: How do you think writing serves as a tool for social change?

A: Writing allows for creativity and genuine expression of opinions. When these opinions are effectively conveyed, they can provoke thought in readers and inspire action toward broader social change.

Q: How did you become a Blog and Content Writer at CCD-NL?

A: My experiences publishing journal articles on international relations and geopolitics, along with my academic journey involving extensive research, fueled my interest in writing. This led me to become a creative content writer for CCD-NL, where I can align my writing skills with my passion for cultural awareness.

Q: How can cultural heritage awareness be integrated into political discussions and decision-making?

A: Culture plays a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening international relations. Utilizing cultural tools in politics—known as soft power diplomacy—is essential for fostering mutual respect, understanding, and tolerance among communities. This approach helps de-escalate tensions, reduce conflicts, and build trust between nations.

Q: What have you learned during your time at CCD-NL?

A: Participating in CCD-NL's Ikat project has been a significant learning experience, allowing me to research various weaving techniques from India and Indonesia and explore their implementation in modern contexts.

Q: What themes do you hope to explore in your writing for CCD-NL?

A: I hope to explore how India’s diverse culture and religion have spread to neighboring South Asian and Southeast Asian countries and how they have evolved in different regions.

Are you interested in joining CCD-NL as a volunteer? 

Are you looking for an internship or an opportunity to volunteer for a cause you are passionate about? CCD-NL is currently looking for interns and volunteers in the areas of fundraising, communication, marketing, social media, project organizing, and event planning. Send us an email to info@ccdnl.org with your CV and Cover Letter to apply for our open positions or become a volunteer.