BENGALURU: Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj's illness has been kept away from the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017, an event that she worked hard to plan. But, praise for her endeavor to give a humane face to Indian diplomacy has been at the centre stage of the event.
As the event was on EAM Swaraj has been undertaking a blitzkrieg to help scores of Indians across the globe - someone was unable to unite with his wife due to visa problems and someone's husband was missing. These efforts by the 64-year-old were highlighted through a short film made by the MEA. Her face has been beaming large through screens at the venue as she assured in her motherly tone that help will be given to all the Indians abroad in time of distress.
The Minister has heralded a new era of accessible politicians in India where help was just a tweet away. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged this contribution of the India's first full fledged woman Foreign Minister.
"Security of all Indians abroad is a top priority. We are working to overhaul our administration system. The External Affairs Minister has particularly been proactive and prompt in reaching out to distressed Indians abroad using social media," PM Modi said praising the Minister. Ministers of State for External Affairs Gen (retd) VK Singh and MJ Akbar has been representing MEA.
Swaraj, a 'workaholic' according to her colleagues had slogged hard to conduct marathon meetings in the run-up to the PBD, unlike other Ministers who would have left after making speeches.