By Zile Singh

This phrase ‘The Milk of Human Kindness’ -  care and compassion for others - comes from Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The Consulate General of India, Vancouver celebrated the 75th anniversary of Indian Republic on January 26. On this Day in 1950, an Independent India adopted her Constitution. In his concluding remarks Consul General Manish said that he would be leaving soon for his next assignment as India’s High Commissioner to Cyprus. 

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 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 their 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.An Ambassador and a  High Commissioner are of the same rank. The difference is that in Commonwealth countries an ambassador is called  High Commissioner. An ambassador is one of highest representatives of the President of the country. Mr. Manish holds a degree in Law and is proficient in Russian language. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1997. Before Vancouver,  he served in Moscow, Tashkent, Prague, Colombo, and Jakarta. 

“The qualities of a diplomat are sleepless tact, unmovable calmness, and a patience that no folly, no provocation, no blunders may shake” – Benjamin Franklin.

My 38 years  experience in the Indian Foreign Service is that in addition to the qualities mentioned above,  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 kindness’.  This creates a kinder world and fuels optimism. 

Mr. Manish qualifies this quality of human kindness. For example - 

1. In September 2020, I called on him. I met him for the first time.I found him soft-spoken and sober. He said that he does not form  badopinions about anyone  without dealing with him personally. It is a good trait. We call it ‘starting with a clean slate’, and  ‘with malice towards none’. In human relations, it is a great point of wisdom to find out one’s own folly. 

1. 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, government of India willturn  a centenarian in August 2021. He thoughtfully arranged a  congratulatory message from the Indian High Commissioner, Ottawa and a Shawl on his own 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. 

1. Sardar Bua Singh, a Chauffeur worked in 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 at Bua Singh’s deadbody. Though Singh was a lower ranking official,he got recognition equal to that of  any other higher ranking official. 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.’

The incidents at (ii) and (iii) were notConsul General’s  mandatory duties, yet his caring  and compassionate heart drove him to oblige retired personnel who are usually forgotten with the passage of time. Retirement also has its value. ‘No hair so small but has its shadow’. 

Zile Singh is a columnist, author, poet, human rights activist, golfer and a vipassana meditator. He can be contacted at zsnirwal@yahoo.ca. He is also a former diplomat with the Indian Foreign Service.