‘Bhumiputra’ Shringla in RS, proud moment for Darjeeling

Darjeeling: It was a proud moment for Darjeeling on Sunday when son of the soil Harsh Vardhan Shringla — former foreign secretary and India's ambassador to the US — was nominated to Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu.An alumnus of Mayo College, Ajmer, and St Stephen's College, Delhi, Shringla topped the 1984 batch of the civil services and chose the Indian Foreign Service. Over a distinguished diplomatic career, he served as the high commissioner to Bangladesh and ambassador to Thailand. He played a key role during the landmark "Howdy Modi" event in Texas in 2019. He went on to serve as foreign secretary from 2020 to 2022 and later as the chief coordinator for India's G20 presidency in 2023.Shringla, however, remained connected to his roots. In May 2023, he launched the Darjeeling Welfare Society, sparking speculation about a possible Lok Sabha bid that he himself dismissed later. BJP eventually re-nominated Raju Bista, who has represented the seat since 2009.During the Covid-19 crisis, Shringla was instrumental in coordinating the return of Darjeeling residents stranded in Gulf countries. He also helped set up free UPSC coaching centres in the Hills to support local aspirants.Shringla's nomination to Rajya Sabha was warmly welcomed by PM Narendra Modi. "Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla Ji has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. Over the years, he's made key contributions to India's foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 presidency. Glad that he's been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings," Modi posted on X.Reacting to the nomination, Shringla said: "I extend my grateful thanks to the Prime Minister and deep gratitude to the President for entrusting me with this sacred duty. I have always wanted to work in the service of the country and, even after retirement, I never stopped my endeavours in this regard. I am grateful for this opportunity and promise to do my best in working for the people, standing by the people and speaking for the people. I will continue to make the effort that is necessary to make my country stronger on the international stage," he said. Notably, a road in Bangladesh has even been named in his honour.Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, a BJP ally, also hailed his nomination with pride. "I express my hearty congratulations and best wishes to Harsh Vardhan Shringla on being elected as a Rajya Sabha MP. May his tenure be one of dedicated national service and fulfilment of public aspirations," said GJM president Bimal Gurung.Darjeeling: It was a proud moment for Darjeeling on Sunday when son of the soil Harsh Vardhan Shringla — former foreign secretary and India's ambassador to the US — was nominated to Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu.An alumnus of Mayo College, Ajmer, and St Stephen's College, Delhi, Shringla topped the 1984 batch of the civil services and chose the Indian Foreign Service. Over a distinguished diplomatic career, he served as the high commissioner to Bangladesh and ambassador to Thailand. He played a key role during the landmark "Howdy Modi" event in Texas in 2019. He went on to serve as foreign secretary from 2020 to 2022 and later as the chief coordinator for India's G20 presidency in 2023.Shringla, however, remained connected to his roots. In May 2023, he launched the Darjeeling Welfare Society, sparking speculation about a possible Lok Sabha bid that he himself dismissed later. BJP eventually re-nominated Raju Bista, who has represented the seat since 2009.During the Covid-19 crisis, Shringla was instrumental in coordinating the return of Darjeeling residents stranded in Gulf countries. He also helped set up free UPSC coaching centres in the Hills to support local aspirants.Shringla's nomination to Rajya Sabha was warmly welcomed by PM Narendra Modi. "Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla Ji has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. Over the years, he's made key contributions to India's foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 presidency. Glad that he's been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings," Modi posted on X.Reacting to the nomination, Shringla said: "I extend my grateful thanks to the Prime Minister and deep gratitude to the President for entrusting me with this sacred duty. I have always wanted to work in the service of the country and, even after retirement, I never stopped my endeavours in this regard. I am grateful for this opportunity and promise to do my best in working for the people, standing by the people and speaking for the people. I will continue to make the effort that is necessary to make my country stronger on the international stage," he said. Notably, a road in Bangladesh has even been named in his honour.Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, a BJP ally, also hailed his nomination with pride. "I express my hearty congratulations and best wishes to Harsh Vardhan Shringla on being elected as a Rajya Sabha MP. May his tenure be one of dedicated national service and fulfilment of public aspirations," said GJM president Bimal Gurung.