06th April, Darjeeling: The biography of Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and the Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, was launched in Darjeeling today. Authored by Dr Dipmala Roka, the ‘Not An Accidental Rise: Harsh Vardhan Shringla’ recounts the life and career trajectory of Shringla, who hails from the region of Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Speaking on the occasion, Shringla sent a powerful message regarding the potential of Darjeeling and expressed, “Today the smart youth of Darjeeling can be seen in New York, can be seen in Dubai, can be seen in Singapore, and cities across the country, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai.” He further stated, “We need to impart to the younger people in our hometown, in our district, and our area the ability to seek better opportunities and better lives. We need to create capacities that are in-house and provide skills.”
Dr Dipmala Roka, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Sikkim University, Gangtok, also hailing from Darjeeling, has included the bilateral and multilateral experiences of Harsh Vardhan Shringla in the biography. According to Dr Roka, ‘Not An Accidental Rise’ narrates the tale of how a son of Darjeeling and Sikkim was entrusted with great responsibilities and represented India on the world stage, and eventually rose to the highest position in the Indian Foreign Service. The preface to the book by Dr. Dipmala Roka reads, ”It is not an accidental rise. It is the story of each promotion being built on the achievements of the last”.
A very timely and appropriate book on Shringlaji on whom we all are very proud of. An exemplary personality. The present generation from Darjeeling-Sikkim must look upon him for inspiration that nothing can stop him / her if s/he is determined to achieve and persevere.