Bhatia, 60, came to South Afri-ca three years ago to enhance the already close bond between India and South Africa. At the end of this month, he will return to India, where he will take up residence in New Delhi.
Although he is not sure about his future, he plans to get involved in projects that contri- bute to civil society. He will also relax, play golf and nurture his love for classical music.
"Both countries share an experience that stems from a rich cultural history abounding in great leaders. The contribution that people of Indian origin made to the struggle for democracy has been recognised."
He is, therefore, pleased to see that plans to mark the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa next year are underway as just recognition of the pivotal role they played in shaping the country's history.
"Looking back, the prospect of coming to South Africa was an exciting opportunity after having experienced some 54 countries on five continents."
He says: "Each country has given me the opportunity to develop my instinct as a diplomat. Our experience and stay here has been productive and we leave with wonderful memories of the country and our friends."
He has spent the better part of his life and career serving his country and its people, starting out in 1969 as a lecturer in political science. He joined the foreign service in 1972 and has been posted to various places, including Paris, Beirut, Brussels and Jakarta.
In 1994 he was appointed consul general to Toronto. Thereafter, he was sent as high commissioner to Kenya, Myanmar, Mexico and South Africa, which was his final posting.
Travelling globally, he says, has been one of best parts of his job. "I observe with keen interest people and their various systems."
The first things that he likes to learn about when in a new country are its arts, history and culture. He has found that some of the best places to achieve this are museums, which succinctly show the historical and cultural dimensions of a country.
Bhatia attributes the success of his diplomatic career to his upbringing by his parents - both teachers and authors - who instilled in him a good value and belief system. Hard work, integrity and discipline, he maintains, have been the central aspects of his life.
Bhatia says that during his career and travels, his wife Kumkum has supported him and travelled around the world with him. He says Kumkum, a former teacher, has, since the beginning of his career, been involved in helping the youth, particularly socially and spiritually.
"It's now time for reflection and quality time with the family," Bhatia says of his impending retirement.
He hopes to have time to indulge in reading, reflecting and writing. He also plans to indulge his travel bug in India and other parts of the world.
"India is a large country and by visiting different parts of it, one gains knowledge that helps one to represent India, which is a very diverse country with many facets to it, better around the world."
The high commissioner's love for the arts and his native land have manifested in his home, where he has an impressive collection of paintings and art pieces. The pieces have been collected from some of the world's best traditional crafters, whose work is still rooted in the ancient methods handed down by their forefathers.
A special place is reserved in the Bhatia home for Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, acknowledged through a majestic collection of statuettes and paintings, each unique and ranging from the traditional to the eclectic.
The couple also own a Tanjaur collection, one of the most ancient forms of Indian art, and a Buddha collection acquired during their time in Myanmar.
He adds that essentially "a visitor must feel he is in India when visiting our home. They must feel the culture and sample the cuisine."
He also boldly displays art gathered during travels and time in Africa, with a unique coffee table made from a door in Zanzibar being the highlight.
Bhatia is not done with his travelling and is always looking for ways of learning about countries he is yet to visit. "I would like to travel to new places in Europe, Latin America and Africa. However, since it's not possible to visit every country, I read literature on these countries."
Loading...
Be the first to comment