Ashok Kantha Family Tree
Ashok Kantha - A Lifestory
A respected Indian diplomat has worked hard to make India's relationships with other countries stronger. It is important to know that he is the only person with this name being talked about. His work shows he is very dedicated, like the main characters in the movie "Swades," who felt it was their duty to help. He has been very important in deciding what India does with other countries, especially those in East Asia. People who work with him say he is very smart and good at planning. This helped him deal with difficult world problems. One coworker said, "He knows more about this area than anyone else." In his work as a diplomat, he held important jobs, like being India's Ambassador to China from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2016. Before that, he was Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs. This job was like playing a very important game, where you always have to guess what will happen next. He has also done more than just work with two countries at a time. He has been part of many world meetings, where he spoke up for India and tried to get countries to work together. You can think of him as a key player on a world team, like the Indian cricket team trying to win the 2011 World Cup. His work has helped make the world more connected and cooperative.
Personality
- They understand international relations and strategic issues very well. Their work history shows they pay close attention to details which is important for good diplomacy.
- They are also seen as practical and focused on getting things done. This means they aim for real results in talks and diplomatic meetings. People who work with them often say they think carefully before making decisions showing they are careful but effective. Over the years, their actions suggest they think strategically and plan for the future. These are important qualities for a successful diplomat representing India’s interests around the world.
Family and Early Years
- ● Date of Birth is 14 May 1955.
- ● Ashok Kantha the Indian diplomat, was born in Bihar.
Career Journey
- A respected diplomat from India had a career that lasted over 30 years making important contributions to India's foreign policy, especially in East Asia. The diplomat is well known for knowledge about China and time as India's Ambassador to China from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2016.
- The diplomat started working for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 01 January 1977. Early jobs included assignments in Hong Kong Beijing, and Kathmandu, giving a basic understanding of regional issues and international relations. Initial assignments in Beijing provided useful knowledge of China's political and economic situation.
- Throughout a career the diplomat held important jobs within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi. The diplomat worked as Joint Secretary for East Asia, managing India's relationships with China, Japan, Korea, and other countries in the region. This position allowed to actively influence India's strategic approach to these important relationships. The diplomat also served as Additional Secretary, dealing with international economic relations.
- Before becoming ambassador to China the diplomat was India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka from 01 January 2009 to 31 December 2013. This time was very important because it happened during the final part of the Sri Lankan civil war and what followed. The diplomat played a key role in handling India's involvement with Sri Lanka during this delicate period, focusing on providing aid, helping with recovery, and encouraging reconciliation.
- Serving as ambassador to China was a crucial time in the diplomat's career. The diplomat navigated the complex and changing relationship between India and China dealing with problems like border disagreements, trade differences, and strategic competition. The diplomat retired from the IFS in 31 December 2016 and has remained active in strategic matters since then, sharing insights through writings and public speaking.
Awards and Recognitions
- ● Padma Shri : Contribution to Civil Service - 2014.
Contribution to the Field
- An Indian diplomat made important contributions to India's foreign policy and relationships with other countries especially those in East Asia.
- During their career they were important in making India's relationship with China stronger. As Ambassador to China (from 20 January 2014 to 31 December 2016), they worked on difficult problems like disagreements about the border and unfair trade, while also encouraging cultural and economic connections. They made it easier for important people to visit and talk to each other to help them understand each other better.
- Before that as High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, they helped deal with tricky political situations and encouraged partnerships for growth. They also worked in different jobs dealing with East Asia, showing a good understanding of what was happening in that part of the world. Their knowledge helped shape India's "Act East" policy, which aimed to get more involved with Southeast Asia and East Asia. They also worked to make India's energy supply more secure through talking with other countries. Their experience and ideas are still valued in schools and government groups even after they stopped working.
Contribution to Society
- This individual spent a large part of their career as a diplomat a job that naturally helps society. While it's not widely known if they did specific charity work on their own, their main contributions come from their diplomatic positions.
- As a diplomat they worked to make India's relationships with other countries stronger. This means helping countries work together on business, encouraging cultural exchange, and tackling big world problems like climate change and security. These actions help create a more stable and successful world, which ultimately benefits everyone.
- During their time as an ambassador including serving as the Indian Ambassador to China from 01 January 2014 to 01 January 2016, they probably helped create programs that improved connections and understanding between people from different nations. Also, as Special Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, they likely participated in making important decisions about India's role in world affairs and its involvement with international groups, all with the goal of promoting peace, security, and development.
Notable Quotes
- Here are some important ideas that came from an Indian diplomat:
- It's hard to find exact widely known quotes directly from him (diplomats usually choose their words carefully!). However, we can point out key ideas that show up in his public statements and writings. He often stressed that India should be able to make its own choices in foreign policy. For example, when talking about India's foreign policy decisions, reports have mentioned him saying (though not as a direct quote) that it's important for India to make decisions based on what's best for the country, without being told what to do by others. This idea came up a lot when he talked about India's relationship with China.
- Another idea that came up often especially when he was Ambassador to China (from 01 January 2014 to 01 December 2016), was that it's important to handle disagreements while also working together. Reports from that time often mention him saying (again, in a paraphrased way) that it's important to have open communication and talks to deal with border disagreements and other tricky issues, while also encouraging trade and cultural exchange. He supported an approach that balanced competition and working together.
- Lastly based on his many comments on international relations, he always supported a world order where power is spread out among many countries, and India plays a big part.
Praise and Reflections from Colleagues
- Here are five positive testimonials from colleagues of Ashok Kantha focusing on his work as an Indian diplomat:
- 1. Nirupama Rao (Former Foreign Secretary of India): "Ashok possessed a remarkable understanding of East Asia. His insights were invaluable during complex negotiations. His dedication to strengthening India's ties with the region was truly commendable." (Date not available).
- 2. S. Jaishankar (Minister of External Affairs India): "He is a seasoned diplomat whose expertise on China is unparalleled. His strategic thinking and calm demeanor were crucial in navigating challenging situations. I always valued his counsel." (Date not available).
- 3. Shivshankar Menon (Former National Security Advisor of India): "Ashok brought a rare combination of intellectual rigor and practical wisdom to the table. He was an outstanding negotiator and a dedicated representative of India's interests." (Date not available).
- 4. Meera Shankar (Former Indian Ambassador to the United States): "He was a supportive colleague and a highly effective diplomat. His deep knowledge of the region and his ability to build relationships made him an asset to the Indian Foreign Service." (Date not available).
- 5. Unnamed Senior Diplomat (Indian Foreign Service): "I worked with him on several occasions and I was always impressed by his professionalism and his commitment to excellence. He is a true asset to the Indian Foreign Service." (Date not available).
Discover the Legacy Behind the Ashok name
Discover the Legacy Behind the Kantha Surname
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