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Talking Points when Calling Embassy/Consulates (Amendments) |
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Talking Points When Calling EmbassySample Conversation with a Consulate: CSF: “Hello, Indian Consulate of San Francisco, can you please hold?”
Sudarshan: “Sure”
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CSF: “Hi, sorry about that, it’s been a crazy day.”
Sudarshan: “Oh. I am sorry to hear that”
Sudarshan: “As a concerned NRI, I’d like to raise a concern which I hope is communicated to the Prime Minister of India, Shri Manmohan Singh”
CSF: (wearily) “Go ahead.”
Sudarshan: “My name is Sudarshan Suresh and I’m an Indian National living in the United States. I am deeply disappointed about the recent amendments proposed to the Right to Information Act. If the amendments get approved, corruption and arbitrary decision making will thrive in India and India's image abroad will take a beating. I would like the consular officer or the ambassador to communicate to the Prime Minister of India that the NRIs living in the United States are angred about this move and would greatly appreicate it if the Government withdrew the bill from the floor." Talking Points: India has a very bad name internationally as a corrupt country. As Indians living abroad, we were overjoyed when we learnt about the RTI Act. The proposed amendment lends weight to those who continue to decry India as an impossible place to live or do business in. It will discourage investors, particularly the smaller entrepreneurs who create more jobs for less investment and are unwilling to pay bribes or deal with arrogant Government officials. As an informed citizen of the country, I am very disappointed with the government move, despite widespread criticism from different civil-society groups (tell them how so many people even in the US are actively lodging their protests in order to see that corruption is once and for all rooted out of India Sudarshan: “I hope you’ll communicate my support to the Indian Government in Delhi.”
CSF: “Yes, we’re keeping a list. A long list. Thanks for your call.”
Sudarshan: “Have a great day!”
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 08 November 2006 )
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