I am proud of our pluralism, our history of co-existence : Tharoor

I am proud of our pluralism, our history of co-existence : Tharoor

m.today

Mangalore, April 05: Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Union Minister of State for External Affairs : Here is a man with an international perspective, author, a doctorate in political science and years of experience in the United Nations. Indeed, he was India’s candidate for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations. He however has been in the centre of one controversy after another ever since he was sworn in as Minister of State - External Affairs in May 2009 - from his sympathetic comments on Israel to the accusations of staying in luxurious five-star hotels as Minister to his controversial ’cattle class’ Tweet.

Shashi Tharoor is in Mangalore for the first time. In an interaction program organized by AIM Insight and SAGFE, Dr. Tharoor spoke on various contemporary issues.

 

 

 

He truly lived up to, may be surpassed the expectations of audience - intellectuals, professionals, professors and media persons. His outline of India’s progress, his measure of it, the anecdotes he used to highlight aspects of the Indian system, as well as his analysis of India’s foreign policy, politics were all exciting and compelling. What was even more impressive was his depth of knowledge and rational approach to international relationship.

“I am proud about our pluralism, our history of openness and co-existence, our creativity, literacy and our willingness to go to any extend in establishing peace with oue neighbouring countries” he said answering a question by a media person about ‘secularism and pseudo-secularism’. To another question on relationship with Pakistan, he said “India has been a considerate country, willing and happy to cooperate with any country including Pakistan and China”. About the ‘Tweeter’ controversies, he said “ my openness and language were misinterpreted and distorted by the  media”.

 

Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
 
Speaking at Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Shashi Tharoor said that India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council is a distant dream.“It is not an easy task”, he regreted.

Answering a query, Dr Tharoor completely brushed aside speculations of a Chinese threat to India. Indo-Sino relationship is certainly warm, as China is India’s number one partner in trade and manufacturing goods.

The minister maintained that it is wrong to blame some countries for not issuing visa to Indians on arrival. “We can not blame a country for protecting its market. It’s not always terrorism, but there can be political, social and market reasons for strict visa policy. In fact, India has a very strict visa policy due to terrorism”, Tharoor added.

Tharoor said that the government is in favour of free trade with the South Asian countries, but pointed out the difficulties involved. “There is a mistrust or misgiving based on political grounds, which has spilled over to trade as well. India has been generous in its economic policies towards the South Asian countries. Pakistani tradesmen are allowed to trade here, but unfortunately it is an one-sided arrangement”, Tharoor said.

Answering a query on improving the trade relationship with East Aafrican Counties rather than depending on South America, Dr Tharoor urged the traders not to depend too much on the government. Cut out your own paths and venture into unknown territories. If one person succeeds, there will be many to follow, he said and added that many Multi-national companies based in India have ventured into trade in various parts of Africa and become successful.

Earlier, addressing the gathering, the minister lauded the way India bounced back after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. “We reacted to the problem very maturely and could tackle the investors effectively. And thanks to the sensible investors, our economy was back on track by the next May, Tharoor said. He called for a good understanding between the government and the various Chambers of commerce in the country and added that it will be mutually beneficial.

Passport Seva Kendra in Mangalore

Responding to a representation by KCCI regarding the delay in starting a Passport office in Mangalore, Dr Shashi Tharoor said that a Passport Seva Kendra in Mangalore very soon. The Passport Seva Kendras are Private undertakings where a private contractor receives applications and completes all documentation. Henceforth, the applications will be sent to the approved passport office. The idea of Passport Kendras were put forth by the previous government and the cabinet has decided to open 77 such offices all over the country. The pilot testing centre has been set up in Bangalore in March. We have to wait to find out if it is successful and to make sure that there are no faults. “Once we get the green signal, I’ll personally see that Mangalore gets one of the first centres”, Tharoor promised.