By Zile Singh
Recently, the Consulate General of India in Vancouver marked the 75th anniversary of the Indian Republic on January 26, commemorating the day when, in 1950, an independent India embraced its Constitution. As the curtains closed on the celebration, Consul General Manish revealed that he would be leaving soon for his next assignment as India’s High Commissioner to Cyprus.
Although the last few months of his journey in Canada have been marked with some rough days due to the diplomatic stand-off between India and Canada, his quality of kindness has won hearts across various communities.
Mr. Manish holds a degree in Law and is proficient in the Russian language. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1997. Before Vancouver, he served in Moscow, Tashkent, Prague, Colombo, and Jakarta.
Individuals who become Ambassadors/ High Commissioners typically possess a strong educational background, often holding degrees in fields like international relations, political science, history, or law. Qualifications also include communication skills, cultural awareness, and a deep understanding of foreign policy.
Career diplomats start their careers by joining the foreign service of their respective countries, working their way up through various roles. Common steps include passing examinations, language proficiency, and gaining experience in diplomatic postings at lower levels in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and postings in their Consulates, Embassies, and High Commissions.
The path often involves a combination of education, experience, and demonstrating diplomatic acumen. Benjamin Franklin while defining a diplomat said, “The qualities of a diplomat are sleepless tact, unmovable calmness, and a patience that no folly, no provocation, no blunders may shake.”
Mr. Manish has exemplified all these qualities in his actions during his tenure. And what makes him stand apart is his quality of kindness. He has gone beyond his diplomatic duties to honor retired personnel and those who are usually forgotten with time.
Once I saw him attending three community events back-to-back, not on a weekday, but on a Sunday. It was the birthday celebrations of Dr BR Ambedkar – The Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution.
In July 2021, I wrote to him mentioning that Mr. Khushi Ram, a resident of Vancouver and a retired Deputy Director from the Union Public Service Commission, the government of India will turn a centenarian in August 2021. He thoughtfully arranged a congratulatory message from the Indian High Commissioner, Ottawa, and a Shawl on his behalf and presented to Mr. Ram at his residence. Human kindness breaks the barriers. Fortunately, Mr. Khushi Ram is running strong in his 103rd year.
Late Sardar Bua Singh worked as a Chauffeur at the Indian Consulate, Vancouver from 2002-06. I was then the Deputy Consul General. Bua Singh’s funeral was on January 27th, 2024. Consul General Manish was kind enough to depute Mr. Ajith, Head of Chancery to represent the Consulate. Ajith laid a wreath on Sardar Bua Singh’s dead body. Bua Singh was a sincere, hardworking, and humble official. He had worked with the Indian High Commissioners in London and Ottawa. In New Delhi, he drove for Mr. Natwar Singh, the then Minister of State for External Affairs. Bua Singh, indeed, was a ‘cog in the wheel.’
Drawing upon 38 years of experience in my Indian Foreign Service, I believe in addition to what defines a diplomat, a successful diplomat should have a deep belief in the ideals of humanism – altruism, compassion, and understanding. In sum, it is called ‘The milk of human kindnesses.’ This creates a kinder world and fuels optimism.
Zile Singh is a columnist, author, poet, human rights activist, golfer and a vipassana meditator. He can be contacted at [email protected]
