While he was posted in Moscow, T.P. Sreenivasan met many in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republic who confessed that they did not like the novel Dr. Zhivago . “But if you were to ask them if they had read the book, the answer would be in the negative. I feel that it is the same with the Indian Foreign Services (IFS). Many youngsters are reluctant to join the IFS for different reasons. But I tell them to read up about it and find out more about their work before they decide to say no to it,” explains the former ambassador.
His latest book, Applied Diplomacy Through the Prism of Mythology, which will be released today, gives youngsters a peek into the challenges and charms of the IFS. Edited and curated by Diva S. Iyer, whom Sreenivasan mentored while she was preparing for her UPSC examinations, the book is a ready reckoner for young diplomats.
“In my days, it was a big prestige to be selected for the IFS but, at present, many of the toppers opt for the IAS for varying reasons. Some feel that becoming a Collector is far more glamorous than becoming a junior diplomat in some corner of the globe. Then there are some idealistic youngsters who feel that they can serve the nation better by becoming an IAS officer while an IFS officer’s job is all about partying and rubbing shoulders with world leaders,” he explains with his characteristic humour.
In fact, tongue firmly in cheek, he admits that 10 years after he left the services, he finds it quite boring to stay in the same house and misses the thrill and excitement of waiting for a new assignment every three years.
“For instance, we were living in Tokyo, when I was posted to Thimpu, Bhutan, for my next assignment. It is not hard to imagine the culture shock to be transported suddenly from Tokyo to a laidback place like Bhutan. But, I saw it as an exciting adventure when I was also able to work for my country,” he adds.
He points that the thrill of representing India and speaking on behalf of your countrymen is a matter of pride for all IFS officers. But he adds that one has to be mentally and physically fit to become an IFS officer. “You have to cope with differences in climate, culture, set up homes in different places and also raise a family. In addition, the pressures of work can be daunting. You are representing India and each action is scrutinised. But then these are the charms of the job as well.”
Touching upon the rising cases of alcoholism and marital dispute, he says that the job demands moving in elite circles and many fall prey to temptations of all kinds. “There might be people who are richer than you, glamorous men and women, banquets… so it is easy to veer off the straight path. But there are many who have had very successful careers and which other job can give you the privilege of sharing a platform with world leaders, with men who make history? Thanks to my evangelism, quite a few youngsters I have taught are considering careers in the IFS,” he admits.
The veteran diplomat’s view is that both IAS and IFS officers play important roles in shaping India’s future. If one lot works in internal administration, the other lot plays significant roles in shaping foreign policy and keeping peace in the neighbourhood.
Divya curated the chapters in the book from the statesman’s speeches and articles written for various publications. Drawing parallels from Hindu mythology, Divya has assembled the material under seven chapters with subheads like Hanuman, Vibheeshana, Kripacharya and so on. “It was a new aspect of looking at diplomacy and while the articles had to be selected keeping in mind the titles she had selected for it, it was an interesting exercise and a unique one.”
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy releases the book at YMCA at 4 p.m. today.
