In this anthology edited by Jayshree Misra Tripathi, the spouses, and in a few cases other family members, have their say. They recount historic, entertaining and always intriguing episodes from their lives. The stories are as much an exploration of the diverse cultures around the world-from Sikkim to Ethiopia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tajikistan, Baghdad, China, Switzerland and more-as they are behind-the-scenes accounts of family life and how world-altering moments are often experienced, even created.
The Other Side of Diplomacy is a book not only for those aspiring to a career in the diplomatic service, but for anyone interested in world cultures and slice-of-life family stories (and from within a High Commission or Embassy at that).
Reading the synopsis or the cover, you'd be forgiven for assuming that this is a book that confines itself merely to describing the lived experiences of diplomatic families. However, as you tread through this compendium of fascinating perspectives, you'll soon realise that you're entering a realm that transcends such a simple summary. One of the most captivating things about the stories in this volume is how they are peppered with deeply personal insights, unique to the authors, which make them both more meaningful and readable.
For many of us who have lived and thrived in difficult or remote postings, in a pre-internet era, there is now a sense of pride and self-assurance that comes from having met or exceeded expectations, having forged connections and representing our wonderful, diverse country overseas. However, there is also a very real sense of having had to put one's own life on pause, even of dismissing one's voice with the official persona. We may be considered 'diplomatic baggage', according to one international best-seller (which I thoroughly enjoyed), but the truth is, there is a lot that goes into this unsung, unofficial role.
Hindu (935)
Agriculture (118)
Ancient (1086)
Archaeology (753)
Architecture (563)
Art & Culture (910)
Biography (702)
Buddhist (544)
Cookery (167)
Emperor & Queen (565)
Islam (242)
Jainism (307)
Literary (896)
Mahatma Gandhi (372)
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