Making of a Diplomat - Hone Your Skills

by Prem K. Budhwar

Diplomats are often considered a clan that begins its mornings with English breakfast and ends its day with lavish cocktail dinners. The book dispels this myth and reveals that a diplomat's journey is a tightrope walk in the realms of international and intra-national issues and is a one-stop guide for anyone keen on peeping into the much talked about "envious" life of a diplomat.The author has used his vast experience to lace the text with very practical yet not-so-obvious list of dos and don't s. Covering a wide range of topics, intriguing and interesting, it is a must read both for aspiring diplomats as well as globe-trotters who would find many useful tips on life and living abroad. Veteran diplomats should not skip a read either since it would help them revive and relive cherished moments during their professional lives.

Genres: India

178 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

After joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1962, the author inover three and a half decades of his diplomatic career, half of itin the Ambassadorial rank, served in important positions both athome and abroad. He retired after serving for five years as India'sHigh Commissioner to Canada. Since retirement he and his wifedivide their time between Delhi and their cottage in the Kumaonhills pursuing various interests including writing. Both arepublished authors.

Reviews

[Harsh Parashar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prem Budhwar has written this as a part memoir and part didactic tale to aspiring diplomats on what qualities, qualifications and functions they will serve. I think it fills an important gap in the books I have read on dipomacy, by giving a detailed insider perspective. The first chapter "Diplomacy" is how modern communication tech & modern nation-states have led to "multilateral diplomacy. In second "Diplomat", he lists the skills required as personality, communication, elan, eloquence", knowledgeable, credibility, adaptability & even harmonious personal life. In "Different Aspects", he shows diplomacy to be a nation's PR work, promotion of commercial relations, and consular support. He details on the established practices and tips on selection, joining, role, charities, social etiquettes, gift culture, visits and security practices. Most interesting chapters were on Foreign Service Wife and Changing profile of IFS officers.

[Mukul Malhotra · Rating 2 out of 5]

"A Diplomat is an honest man sent abroad to lie for his country's good".. quite sarcastic yet hilarious. The Making of a Diplomat is a good justice to the myths that hover over the young minds and the diaspora. However, the book isn't inspiring at all lest it helps u to peep into a diplomats real life. Being too technical, it might not be a must read for those who r still on preparation process as the apex of IFS is still a success apart.

[Yeshvendra Pratap Singh · Rating 1 out of 5]

A pretty monotonous read with nothing special except for what can be found even generally and is expected of a Diplomat. I don't think we need an entire book dedicated to it. I got it for some personal insight from the author into the responsibilities and experiences of the life as an Indian Diplomat. Didn't serve the purpose. Period.

[Ayush Boruah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent insight into the famed Indian Foreign Service. An inspiring read for everyone aspiring to be a part of India's diplomatic corps.

[Modesty_b · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good and gives a fair idea of what to expect in a diplomatic career.

[Anurag · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book in that it gives you a good idea regarding the do's and dont's of a diplomat's way of life. Moderately inspiring.

[Anirudas]

A very good book for aspiring diplomats of India , touches all the basic requirements for the job