A second innings in pursuit of writing

As an Indian diplomat for over three decades, he has travelled extensively across the world. He was the ambassador to the Philippines and also worked in key positions in countries like Australia, Egypt and Nepal. Having retired from diplomatic service, he is now a resident of Vizag and a fulltime writer penning both fiction and non-fiction works that explore the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness.He has several books to his credit, including 'Indian by Choice', 'Indian for a Billion Reasons' and 'The Lost Fragrance'. In a chat with Manish of TOI, Amit Dasgupta shares his views on Vizag and what needs to be done to make it a world-class city.
How should India tackle Philippines' emergence as a strong competitor in the IT/ITeS sector?
Rapidly growing demand in the global market provides ample space for the IT/ITeS industry in both countries to grow, collaborate and synergise core competencies for market entry and capture. This would be a win-win for IT/ITeS in India and the Philippines. Success lies in seeing each other as collaborators and not competitors.
What sectors can Vizag entrepreneurs explore in the Philippines?
One major sector they could do well to explore is pharma, where Vizag has strengths. The Philippines is heavily reliant on MNCs for pharma products, which escalates costs. Indian generics are available but only in limited quantity. We need to aggressively explore this market of 80 million people. Delegations from India need open negotiations with Manila on how to set up manufacturing units to cater to demand.
What other countries offer opportunities for India?
Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, among others, are part of former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao's 'Look East' policy and offer extraordinary possibilities for India.
Having been a globetrotter, what do you find special about Vizag?
Vizag is endowed with all the strengths that can make it a major commercial, tourist, IT and education centre. But to achieve this, there needs to be a strong commitment, visionary approach, and a time bound plan to achieve the city's full potential.
How do you rate Vizag among other global cities you've visited?
As a city you have to deal with urban planning, waste management, and uninterrupted power among other issues. Within India, Vizag has a credible name and is a good place with natural beauty. But a lot needs to be done to realise its potential. Urban management techniques, particularly with relation to waste management, need to be taken up in a scientific manner. Also, we need to provide range of services including transport and uninterrupted power. The city has an exceptionally good seaport and a 24x7 airport, which can be expanded to handle more people and air cargo.
What needs to be done to promote Vizag?
You have to "believe" in Vizag. I do. Things are not going to happen overnight. Today, if you look around, I am afraid there is a lot that could easily have been done by now, but has not been done. We need to first be clear in our minds as to where we wish to get to and why; how we get there will then fall into place. In my view, we seem to be approaching things the opposite way. For instance, we put up very odd statues of fat kids, Chinese dragons, giraffes, gorillas and mermaids all along the Beach Road and assume that having done that, they would attract tourists. It doesn't work that way. We need to ask what kind of tourists we want and how many, and then proceed to cater to precisely that. As I said, you need vision. But first you need to believe in Vizag.
Having authored various books, what is your next project?
My book 'Lessons from Ruslana: In Search of Alternative Thinking' is due for release next year. Over the last few months, I finished another manuscript titled 'My Kind of Man' and other stories, which I will be sending out for peer group comments and will also be published next year. 'My Kind of Man' is about how I saw people, relationships and situations through the eyes of my father; it is, therefore, a biographical plus an autobiographical book. The other stories in the book are long and short fictional stories. I am happy with the first draft of the manuscript and excited. The next book I have started working on is non-fiction and would attempt to demystify mysticism. It is going to be an exciting and challenging journey.
Has Vizag helped you in your journey as a writer?
I've been in Vizag for four months and I must confess that I was able to complete the manuscript for a book within three months. That was simply amazing. It was because of the serene atmosphere and laid back attitude of the city. You can get away from the hustle 'n' bustle, go for a nice walk and people are nice. It definitely helps.
With bifurcation, what do you think are the immediate problems for Seemandhra and Telangana regions?
Division will impose additional expenditure on the interstate movement of goods because of octroi; costs will naturally go up. A coastline has advantages only if these are taken advantage of. If not, they are a notional advantage. On the other hand, if you are able to build a strong service sector, solid manufacturing, agricultural and food processing base without a coastline, you are far better off than a region that has the perceived natural advantage of the coastline. In short, benefits accrue to only those who capitalise on them and do not rely solely on one or two strengths but build on many more.
Is the development of only the capital and neglecting other cities an Indian phenomenon?
It's a feudal thing. If you look at the power structure, everybody looks up to the capital. India is a hierarchy based society and the feeling is so entrenched that the capital stands out and everything else is, in a manner, subservient. The entire investment revolves around the capital - whether federal or state. If you break that notion, the entire state and nation grows and you have a sense of involvement, pride and belonging instead of alienation.
Considering China's aggression in recent times, is our country handling it effectively?
The Chinese are pursuing their strategic interests and India should follow its own strategic interests. The only thing you need to decide is if you want to be confrontational or if things can be decided through dialogue. Both China and India have decided to talk and you have to shuffle your way through keeping strategic interests in mind. I think India has decided that we can deal with the situation and has clarity on the issue. China is much bigger than a single issue and there are some things that are non-negotiable, but you can take decisions considering the weightage of the issue.