By NIMMI RAGHUNATHAN
Anything India and Consul General Venkatesan Ashok is ready to push. He wants the University of California system to tie-up with educational institutions back home. Indian culture he wants known more widely to the mainstream. And of course, being in Silicon Valley and an IIT graduate, he is fluent in the essential language of startups and tie-ups.
Anything India and Consul General Venkatesan Ashok is ready to push. He wants the University of California system to tie-up with educational institutions back home. Indian culture he wants known more widely to the mainstream. And of course, being in Silicon Valley and an IIT graduate, he is fluent in the essential language of startups and tie-ups.
Articulate to a fault, he connects the dots of the myriad goals of the current Indian government with ease and suggests how American “brilliance and innovation” can help. He can simplify and break down the voluminous Obama-Modi vision document with clarity and makes the case for Indo-US ties stating, that it is a, “clear commitment by Obama to assist in the transformation of India.”
In the few months that he has been here – he took over as CG in San Francisco in Nov.2014 – he has travelled the western U.S. practically every weekend, promoting collaborative ideas and meeting with the Indian-American community.
Prior to coming to California, Ashok, who joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1982, has among other positions, been India’s rep at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna and Ambassador to Czechoslovakia and Zimbabwe. The diplomat is also an author with the published "Dasavatar: the ten incarnations of Vishnu" to his credit.
Ashok is married to Usha, who is from Mumbai and has a son, now a freshman majoring in political science at U.C. Santa Cruz.
Excerpts from what he told India Journal:
Q: Why is the visa issue never going away? Why does every Consul General have to deal with the same problems? Can’t Delhi give you more staff for this?
A: Yes of course, every CG asks for staff. We are trying to reach out to the community and improve services. We had a visa camp in Los Angeles and others in Seattle and Fresno. We will try to do this where there is a need. We cannot do it every month but will do it as frequently as we can. That is step one.
Step two. Why don’t you apply for the OCI? Yes, it will take a bit of time to get the OCI, but once you get it, you don’t need a visa for life. You don’t need to deal with us then! Also, you are an affluent community. I urge you to apply for a 10- year-visa if you are going to India often instead of the six-month-visas.
Q: Modi’s international visits – how have the optics helped the job of Indian diplomats?
A: It absolutely helps. High optics is great for a diplomat. It provides the catalyst, energy and facilitation to do your job. I don’t have to stand in front of people and explain and discuss our position but just take matters further. Now there is awareness about India across the board - whether its people, university officials or businesses.
Q: What interaction have you had with the California government?
A: I have met with several public officials – senators, mayors, legislators. When I went to Sacramento to mark India’s Republic day, both Houses gave proclamations and I was able to interact with several legislators. I have met Congressmen from different districts and the only two sisters in Congress, Lorretta and Linda Sanchez. It has been very interesting to observe the administrative units here - you have mayors for small cities too and it’s been a pleasure to meet all of them.
Q: How much investment do you think stems from Indian-Americans in California?
A: It is difficult to estimate that. There are no recorded flows. It is hard to put a number on a state as entrepreneurs from various states also get together to make investments. Money has flowed back in terms of stocks, joint investments, cooperation with NGOs, developmental work. In the three months I have been here I have already been to six or seven charity events. It definitely gives the idea that the community is a remarkable example of success in one generation and their wanting to give back is to be applauded.
Q: Can you give specifics on your discussions with the UCs?
A: I can’t at this time. We have had interesting discussions with UC Berkeley, UC Los Angeles and others. The idea is to create linkages with India and have student, faculty and research exchanges. It would be wonderful to have tie-ups for internships and degree requirements for students between a U.C. and a university in Gandhinagar, for instance. These are some broad ideas now. It will take time, but what I am enthused by is the fact that when I meet university officials they look at it as an opportunity. In the U.S. they don’t pour cold water over ideas. Professors here unlike in India are wealthy and respected. We would like for them too, to look to India for startups.
Q: So, in India there is a lot of talk of valuing learning and the Guru…..
A: We don’t anymore! Academics is not seen as a fantastic thing. In the past, the Guru was important and respect was given. Now, only those who don’t get any other job go into teaching. If you can’t become a professor, you become a school teacher and damage the children. Nurturing is not being done properly.
Q: In what way is the Consulate going to work with local artistes to promote culture?
A: June 21, as you know is International Yoga Day. We are planning to make a big splash with it in San Francisco. There is going to be an ethnic dance festival coming up. The organizers have reached out to us, and we are helping out. We would like for people to reach out to us so we can get them connected. The interest in dance, music and language is more here than in India. I have seen a traditional poikkal kuthirai (Tamil folk dance where the performer mimics a horse) presentation here, which I have not seen even in Delhi. The first and second generation of Indians here, are so invested in this.
Q: Is there a difference in being an Ambassador to a country like Zimbabwe run by a despised dictator and a first world democracy:
A: My role as diplomat is defined by the action that is required of me to promote the interests of India and do what needs to be done to promote the relationship between two nations. It is also my duty to assist Indian nationals. Those of Indian origin have an emotional connect and I should be in a position to help them too. So in that sense, as the Bhagavad Gita has said, I try not to judge and I don’t prescribe to governments that I serve in but work to carry out my functions effectively in the environment that I am in.
Q: Did you meet Robert Mugabe?
A: Several times. One of the privileges of my job is that you get to meet a number of people. He was very fond of India and was a good friend of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In 1983 he came to India to attend CHOGM, (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting). I was a junior officer then and saw him at the Ashoka hotel where he was staying with his first wife. Two decades later, I met him as Ambassador. He has a complicated past and is an elder statesman. Toward me and my country he always extended warmth and cordiality. There are about 10,000 Indians in Zimbabwe, mostly Gujarati, and he was reasonable toward them too.
Q: You mentioned meeting a lot of people, who is the public personality who impacted you the most?
A: The Dalai Lama impressed me enormously and I have great reverence for him. I was Ambassador in Czechoslovakia and the privilege of being India’s Ambassador meant, he came to my office. He is truly an enlightened soul.
Q: Is India in a bad neighborhood?
A: Not bad, but a difficult neighborhood. We have issues and have to be on our guard. We have to see to it that another Mumbai does not happen. We are major arms buyers from America and at the same time, the U.S. has bought into the ‘Make in India’ thought process. We are happy that we have this relation and cooperation with the U.S. IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) are a big problem in Afghanistan. Our army has the expertise in it and the intelligence shared by the U.S. has been very useful. The U.S. and India are also working together in recovering bodies that were missing after the Hump Operation (World War 2, when the US flew military aircraft from India, to aid Chiang Kai Shek in his conflict with China.)
Personal:
Musical taste: Western classical. My visits and stays in Vienna and Prague developed my interest. Also, old Hindi film songs.
Why diplomats become authors: Writing is the combined experience that one goes through in their lives. So if you have a job where experiences have great variety, it gives inspiration to write.
Religious inclination: God is my guru. Religion should be a personal thing. I have faith in a force. We are here for a purpose.
Book he is reading: Michiko Yurko’s ‘Music Mind Games,’ presented to me by my wife. He speaks of mind control.
End of term legacy: So! As the Bhagavad Gita says in chapter 2, verse 47: Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana,Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani (You have the right to work only but never to its fruits. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction).
In the few months that he has been here – he took over as CG in San Francisco in Nov.2014 – he has travelled the western U.S. practically every weekend, promoting collaborative ideas and meeting with the Indian-American community.
Prior to coming to California, Ashok, who joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1982, has among other positions, been India’s rep at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna and Ambassador to Czechoslovakia and Zimbabwe. The diplomat is also an author with the published "Dasavatar: the ten incarnations of Vishnu" to his credit.
Ashok is married to Usha, who is from Mumbai and has a son, now a freshman majoring in political science at U.C. Santa Cruz.
Excerpts from what he told India Journal:
Q: Why is the visa issue never going away? Why does every Consul General have to deal with the same problems? Can’t Delhi give you more staff for this?
A: Yes of course, every CG asks for staff. We are trying to reach out to the community and improve services. We had a visa camp in Los Angeles and others in Seattle and Fresno. We will try to do this where there is a need. We cannot do it every month but will do it as frequently as we can. That is step one.
Step two. Why don’t you apply for the OCI? Yes, it will take a bit of time to get the OCI, but once you get it, you don’t need a visa for life. You don’t need to deal with us then! Also, you are an affluent community. I urge you to apply for a 10- year-visa if you are going to India often instead of the six-month-visas.
Q: Modi’s international visits – how have the optics helped the job of Indian diplomats?
A: It absolutely helps. High optics is great for a diplomat. It provides the catalyst, energy and facilitation to do your job. I don’t have to stand in front of people and explain and discuss our position but just take matters further. Now there is awareness about India across the board - whether its people, university officials or businesses.
Q: What interaction have you had with the California government?
A: I have met with several public officials – senators, mayors, legislators. When I went to Sacramento to mark India’s Republic day, both Houses gave proclamations and I was able to interact with several legislators. I have met Congressmen from different districts and the only two sisters in Congress, Lorretta and Linda Sanchez. It has been very interesting to observe the administrative units here - you have mayors for small cities too and it’s been a pleasure to meet all of them.
Q: How much investment do you think stems from Indian-Americans in California?
A: It is difficult to estimate that. There are no recorded flows. It is hard to put a number on a state as entrepreneurs from various states also get together to make investments. Money has flowed back in terms of stocks, joint investments, cooperation with NGOs, developmental work. In the three months I have been here I have already been to six or seven charity events. It definitely gives the idea that the community is a remarkable example of success in one generation and their wanting to give back is to be applauded.
Q: Can you give specifics on your discussions with the UCs?
A: I can’t at this time. We have had interesting discussions with UC Berkeley, UC Los Angeles and others. The idea is to create linkages with India and have student, faculty and research exchanges. It would be wonderful to have tie-ups for internships and degree requirements for students between a U.C. and a university in Gandhinagar, for instance. These are some broad ideas now. It will take time, but what I am enthused by is the fact that when I meet university officials they look at it as an opportunity. In the U.S. they don’t pour cold water over ideas. Professors here unlike in India are wealthy and respected. We would like for them too, to look to India for startups.
Q: So, in India there is a lot of talk of valuing learning and the Guru…..
A: We don’t anymore! Academics is not seen as a fantastic thing. In the past, the Guru was important and respect was given. Now, only those who don’t get any other job go into teaching. If you can’t become a professor, you become a school teacher and damage the children. Nurturing is not being done properly.
Q: In what way is the Consulate going to work with local artistes to promote culture?
A: June 21, as you know is International Yoga Day. We are planning to make a big splash with it in San Francisco. There is going to be an ethnic dance festival coming up. The organizers have reached out to us, and we are helping out. We would like for people to reach out to us so we can get them connected. The interest in dance, music and language is more here than in India. I have seen a traditional poikkal kuthirai (Tamil folk dance where the performer mimics a horse) presentation here, which I have not seen even in Delhi. The first and second generation of Indians here, are so invested in this.
Q: Is there a difference in being an Ambassador to a country like Zimbabwe run by a despised dictator and a first world democracy:
A: My role as diplomat is defined by the action that is required of me to promote the interests of India and do what needs to be done to promote the relationship between two nations. It is also my duty to assist Indian nationals. Those of Indian origin have an emotional connect and I should be in a position to help them too. So in that sense, as the Bhagavad Gita has said, I try not to judge and I don’t prescribe to governments that I serve in but work to carry out my functions effectively in the environment that I am in.
Q: Did you meet Robert Mugabe?
A: Several times. One of the privileges of my job is that you get to meet a number of people. He was very fond of India and was a good friend of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In 1983 he came to India to attend CHOGM, (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting). I was a junior officer then and saw him at the Ashoka hotel where he was staying with his first wife. Two decades later, I met him as Ambassador. He has a complicated past and is an elder statesman. Toward me and my country he always extended warmth and cordiality. There are about 10,000 Indians in Zimbabwe, mostly Gujarati, and he was reasonable toward them too.
Q: You mentioned meeting a lot of people, who is the public personality who impacted you the most?
A: The Dalai Lama impressed me enormously and I have great reverence for him. I was Ambassador in Czechoslovakia and the privilege of being India’s Ambassador meant, he came to my office. He is truly an enlightened soul.
Q: Is India in a bad neighborhood?
A: Not bad, but a difficult neighborhood. We have issues and have to be on our guard. We have to see to it that another Mumbai does not happen. We are major arms buyers from America and at the same time, the U.S. has bought into the ‘Make in India’ thought process. We are happy that we have this relation and cooperation with the U.S. IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) are a big problem in Afghanistan. Our army has the expertise in it and the intelligence shared by the U.S. has been very useful. The U.S. and India are also working together in recovering bodies that were missing after the Hump Operation (World War 2, when the US flew military aircraft from India, to aid Chiang Kai Shek in his conflict with China.)
Personal:
Musical taste: Western classical. My visits and stays in Vienna and Prague developed my interest. Also, old Hindi film songs.
Why diplomats become authors: Writing is the combined experience that one goes through in their lives. So if you have a job where experiences have great variety, it gives inspiration to write.
Religious inclination: God is my guru. Religion should be a personal thing. I have faith in a force. We are here for a purpose.
Book he is reading: Michiko Yurko’s ‘Music Mind Games,’ presented to me by my wife. He speaks of mind control.
End of term legacy: So! As the Bhagavad Gita says in chapter 2, verse 47: Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana,Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani (You have the right to work only but never to its fruits. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction).
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