Karan Singh asks govt to reconsider FSI renaming

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 14

Noting that it was not advisable to re-name the Foreign Service Institute, Senior Congress leader Karan Singh today issued a statement asking the government to re-consider its decision to name it after former Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.

In a statement, Dr Singh said: “To change the name is not advisable, and besides ‘Institute of Foreign Service’ does not make any sense. If it has to be renamed, it should be after Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, who was not only our first Prime Minister but also the creator of modern Indian Foreign Service.”

He, however, said: “I suggest there is really no need to rename this well-established institute, and I would urge the government to reconsider the matter.”

The Congress leader also noted that FSI was known the world over as it trained not only “our own foreign service officers but also those from among the other friendly Asian, African and western countries”.

Moreover, recounting his relationship with late Swaraj, he said: “I had high regard and even affection for Sushma-ji with whom I have worked closely for several years when she chaired the External Affairs Committee of Parliament. I always impressed by her sharp intellect, effective articulation and unfailing courtesy.”