IIITMG Uthaan

     INTERVIEW WITH MR. ANIL TRIGUNAYAT

                                             ( RETD. IFS)

         

Q.    How was your experience today?

A.  It was nice. Basically I love meeting young people. I reached yesterday and walked through the city, it is a historic place. Here in this prestigious institute, I planted a tree and specially when we are about to sign a treaty on climate change on October 2^nd.They showed me the kind of flora and fauna they have which is amazing apart from technical skills.

Q.   To start with , what are your views on constant degradation of rupees  as compared to other foreign currencies?

A.  It is not always a bad thing. Currency of a country indicates its purchasing power. In India with the growth in economy, majority of our imports are dependent on oil i.e. 60 – 70% for which we need foreign exchange. We have a system where the Reserve Bank of India keeps on managing the currency. Secondly, if rupee was very strong it will add import cost which will cause trouble for Indian exporters. Today purchasing power of rupee is much more than many other currencies and so it is sometimes good to keep our currency low.

Q.   Are you in favour of Mr. Narendra Modi’s policy of “integrating neighbouring countries”?

A. His policy is –“India first” which is very important. He has created “Act East Policy” under which all the south east Asian countries are being  brought into a closer engagement. He started “neighbourhood first policy” as we have to deal and grow with them. If our neighbourhood started creating problems it would be a setback in our developmental plans. First he invited all the leaders of the SAARC countries in the swearing ceremony and now he is trying to have good relations with Russia and America.

Q. How does tying up with foreign countries affect our national security?

A. Security is of different types- economic security , physical security. We are trying our best to have good relations with China although China wants to support Pakistan mostly. Modi says-“We can’t sit by the shores counting the waves. We have to go and stir.” India being a very large country has 1.3 billion people  to provide economic prosperity which can be achieved by foreign collaborations only. We have a permanent security if our neighbours are not willing to go on wars with us. To create peace we have to maintain relations with other countries.

Q.  How can the problem of unemployment be solved by setting up manufacturing units in India?

A. “Comparative advantage” is some having raw materials, some having man power, some has technology and all this when combined can produce industry which will provide employment. 65% of our GDPA comprises of service sector/IT but they do not provide that much job facilities as manufacturing units. Majority of Indian population is less than 30years and to provide employment to them we are having schemes like “Make In India”, “Digital India” etc. but to eradicate unemployment completely is not possible.

Q.  The government has not been able to complete the 5yr plan of foreign policy. How far do you think corruption plays the key role?

A. Corruption is the unfortunate part and we have no justification for it. We must have some strict laws to control black money. We must have tax regimes which encourages people to pay tax i.e. self-compliance. GST has come already. Those upper strata people who continue to indulge in this should be subjected to harsh punishments.

Q.  Where do you see India in the next 10 years following the current foreign policies?

A. I see India at the top and we can reach there. We are already the fastest emerging economy in the world at 7.5% GDP. We are 1/6 th of the world and they cannot ignore it. We have been a leader and as a diplomat I feel we will be the leaders. We are in space and are among the six countries in the world that have sent 8 satellites. We send the largest no. of satellites to European countries. It will take time but we will reach there.

Q.  Any message that you would like to give us or any tagline for our campus?

A. Work hard and you will be there. That’s what I think ….there are no shortcuts in life.

                                          

REPORTED BY - PRAGATI BAHETI AND ANJALI JAIN

PHOTOGRAPHER- YASH CHAUDHARY