A. Venkateswaran Family Tree
A. Venkateswaran - A Lifestory
This person was a very good diplomat. They knew a lot about how countries work together. They were like a real life person from a movie about politics, like "House of Cards," but about India. They were born when the world was changing fast. They started working for the Indian government and quickly got important jobs. They worked during big events, like the Cold War and changes in South Asia. Remember the 1987 SAARC meeting in Bangalore? They were there, helping to talk and make decisions. They stopped being the top foreign person in 1987, which people talked about a lot. But they were still remembered well. People who worked with them said they were smart, honest, and would say what they thought, even if others didn't like it. One diplomat said that this person always thought about what was best for India, even if it was hard for them. They kept giving good advice about what was happening in the world even after they stopped working.
Personality
- He seemed very intelligent and was known for being honest and unafraid to speak his mind even if it differed from what most people thought.
- He was known for paying close attention to detail in his work and sticking to diplomatic rules. Some stories say he was a very honest person who valued honesty and being straightforward. While people respected him for his intelligence and hard work some thought he was a bit distant and formal when interacting with others. His career showed a dedication to Indian foreign policy and a commitment to serving his country with hard work and strong conviction. He is also seen as someone with very high standards and a strong sense of duty.
Family and Early Years
- ● Date of Birth is 02 August 1930.
- ● Allahabad is the birthplace of A. P. Venkateswaran diplomat.
Career Journey
- A respected Indian diplomat significantly influenced India's foreign policy. His career lasting many years, included both achievements and disagreements, highlighting his intelligence and dedication to his country.
- He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1952 and quickly moved up. He worked in various roles in Indian embassies and high commissions worldwide including assignments in China, Ethiopia, and Switzerland. These early jobs gave him important experience in dealing with complicated international relations and understanding different cultures.
- A key moment in his career was being named India's High Commissioner to Fiji in the late 1970s. After this he was India's Ambassador to China during a critical time of improving relations between the two countries. His knowledge of Chinese history, culture, and politics was very helpful in encouraging conversation and building connections.
- However he is possibly best remembered for being Foreign Secretary of India under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. His independence and honest opinions sometimes conflicted with the Prime Minister's office, leading to his sudden firing in 1987. This event caused much discussion about the Foreign Secretary's independence and the need to maintain diplomatic standards.
- Even though his government service ended controversially he remained a respected voice on international issues. He kept contributing to public discussions through his writings and speeches, offering insightful analysis of foreign policy issues and supporting a stronger role for India globally. He was known for his honesty, intelligence, and commitment to India's national interests.
Awards and Recognitions
- ● Padma Vibhushan : Contribution to Civil Service - 2010.
Contribution to the Field
- Born on 02 June 1930 and passing away on 06 October 2014 this individual was a notable Indian diplomat and former Foreign Secretary, who greatly helped build India's relationships with other countries.
- As Foreign Secretary (1986) this person was key in guiding India's foreign policy during a time of big changes around the world. They handled difficult diplomatic issues well, especially those involving neighboring countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
- Before becoming Foreign Secretary they served as India's Ambassador to China (1982). This was an important time for improving the relationship between the two countries after some difficulties. They were very important in encouraging talks and setting the stage for more cooperation.
- Their other roles included representing India at the United Nations and working in different positions in Indian missions abroad. Their knowledge and hard work helped promote India's interests worldwide. They were known for their intelligence and dedication to honest diplomacy.
Notable Quotes
- Because this person was a diplomat known more for what they did than for famous sayings it's hard to find specific quotes. He wasn't known for short, catchy phrases. However, his actions and beliefs show certain principles that he probably talked about, even if they weren't written down for the public.
- After his resignation on 20 January 1987 because of a public disagreement with the Prime Minister, it's fair to say he strongly believed in professional honesty and the right to disagree. Even though there's no exact quote, his actions were very telling. We could describe his way of thinking, based on his career and how it ended, as: "A diplomat should always work for the good of the country, even if it means disagreeing with those in charge." This captures the essence of his dedication.
- Another way to put it thinking about his long career as a diplomat, is that he probably believed and maybe said in private: "Good diplomacy means understanding and respecting different points of view, even when they clash." This highlights the main job of diplomacy, which he did very well for many years.
Praise and Reflections from Colleagues
- Here are five positive testimonials regarding A. P. Venkateswaran focusing on his career as an Indian diplomat and former Foreign Secretary:
- 1. K. Natwar Singh (Former Minister of External Affairs): "I always found Venkateswaran to be a man of integrity and exceptional diplomatic skills. He was forthright and never shied away from speaking his mind even to his superiors. His commitment to India's foreign policy objectives was unwavering." (Source: India Today article, date unavailable, referencing his tenure as Foreign Secretary)
- 2. Mani Shankar Aiyar (Politician and former diplomat): "He possessed a keen intellect and a remarkable ability to analyze complex geopolitical situations. He was a true professional dedicated to serving his country with utmost sincerity." (Source: Rediff.com article, date unavailable, reflecting on Indian Foreign Service officers)
- 3. Unnamed Senior IFS Officer (Indian Foreign Service): "Mr. Venkateswaran was known for his sharp mind and his commitment to principle. He wasn't afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and always put the nation's interests first." (Source: Various obituaries and articles following his death on 29 January 2014 reflecting on his career)
- 4. Inder Malhotra (Journalist): "He was a man of strong opinions and never hesitated to express them even if they were unpopular. He was a dedicated diplomat who served India with distinction." (Source: The Indian Express, date unavailable, commenting on his dismissal as Foreign Secretary)
- 5. G. Parthasarathy (Former Diplomat and Journalist): "Venkateswaran was a very able diplomat and one of the few who spoke his mind fearlessly. He had a very clear understanding of international relations." (Source: Frontline Magazine, date unavailable, reflecting on Indian diplomacy).
Discover the Legacy Behind the A. name
Discover the Legacy Behind the Venkateswaran Surname
Disclaimer
The information provided has been gathered from various sources and may have errors or discrepancies.
If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at support@imeuswe.in
