Friday, February 14th, 2025

I wonder if that conversation had not happened… After all, what had the father said that Jaishankar said – I don’t know how life would have been today.

New Delhi: Whatever be the subject of your studies, keep gathering information about international affairs. This suggestion is made by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s. The Foreign Minister spoke to the students on Saturday. he/she also mentioned the inspiration he/she got from his/her father to explain his/her views. Jaishankar said that in the information age, every kind of information is easily available, hence updates about what is going on at the international level can also be easily taken. Explaining its benefits to the students, he/she said that a country of alert youth can leave a deep impression at the international level.

Importance of being aware of international affairs

Jaishankar said, ‘Whether you study international relations or not, you need to be well aware of it. The world has come to our doors…this is both good and bad. When COVID first hit, you read about something happening in a city in China; Who would have thought that two years of our lives would be completely affected by this? I urge everyone to take an interest in the world, to keep an eye on what is happening, and to shape it. That’s why we need to be there. We cannot be spectators, we cannot be a playground for others; We also have to become a player. he/she further said that in today’s interconnected society it is important to understand different perspectives.

I wanted to become a teacher of International Relations. But father said – If you want to do something yourself, why don’t you consider applied international relations? I always wonder what life would have been like if we hadn’t had that conversation.

S. Jaishankar, Foreign Minister

Jaishankar mentioned the conversation with his/her father

The External Affairs Minister also shared his/her journey from academia to diplomacy. he/she talked about how his/her father inspired him/her to pursue a career in practical international relations. he/she said, ‘I had done a master’s degree in international relations and at that time my idea was actually to teach. So I earned more degrees after my master’s degree. During this time I gave the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. I could have easily gone into the academic stream of international relations, but father, who was in government service, tactfully explained to me that do I want to study what other people do or do I want to do something myself?’ Jaishankar further said, ‘Father said- If you want to do something yourself, then why don’t you consider applied international relations?’ I always wonder what life would have been like if we had not had that conversation.

We cannot be spectators, we cannot be a playground for others; We also have to become a player.

S. Jaishankar, Foreign Minister

Appeal to youth to take active part in global affairs

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar urged the youth to engage deeply in global affairs. he/she stressed the importance of active participation of Indian youth in shaping the world. Jaishankar said, ‘We cannot become spectators, we cannot become a playground for others; We also have to become a player. he/she encouraged students to stay informed about international issues beyond their field of study.

Just knowing foreign language will not help, Jaishankar gave this advice

Pointing out the need to acquire intercultural skills, the Foreign Minister explained that there are many topics related to the world of diplomacy. he/she said, ‘Interpersonal and intercultural skills are very important along with understanding of foreign language… This gives us the ability to communicate with full nuance.’

Share on:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *