Subhechcha Ganguly 
In an exclusive interview with the man himself,Dr.Madan Mohan Sethi Consul General of india Ho Chi Minh city,Vietnam, with an array of trade & Policies
In the realm of Odia bureaucrats, one name has become synonymous with distinction and brilliance: the illustrious Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi. An erudite member of the esteemed Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Mr. Sethi embarked on his journey as a language trainee officer in Myanmar back in 2006, a voyage that would ultimately catapult him to the zenith of his career. His tenure in the captivating city of Rome left an indelible mark on his professional trajectory, fostering a profound understanding of the intricacies of foreign service.
With each assignment, Dr. Sethi’s influence and expertise grew, his unwavering dedication taking him to the prestigious ASCEAN division for a remarkable two and a half years. Central Europe then beckoned, where he lent his exceptional talents to serve his nation for a transformative year. But it was his appointment as Consular General in Hochimin City, Vietnam that would define his legacy, where he has diligently labored for an impressive thirty months.
Now, poised at the precipice of his diplomatic duties, Dr. Sethi, an erudite and sagacious observer, casts his discerning gaze upon the stature of Odisha, his beloved homeland, on the global map. He proclaims that Odisha, with an unwavering fortitude, has etched its formidable presence in the domains of education, healthcare, and sports, leaving an indelible mark upon the annals of progress. Particularly remarkable has been Odisha’s triumphant foray into the mining sector, a testament to the untapped wealth lying within its verdant boundaries.
However, in his astute analysis, Dr. Sethi humbly opines that Odisha possesses untapped potential within the realms of manufacturing and tourism, avenues yet to be fully explored. Recognizing the transformative power of international collaboration, he advocates for Odisha to establish targeted and robust relations with ten to twenty countries, mirroring the sterling success of Kerala’s branding endeavors. By harnessing the inherent allure of Odisha’s cultural heritage, the state can unveil its full splendor to the world.
While ardently promoting the grandeur of Odisha, Dr. Sethi also reflects upon his current abode, Vietnam, a land teeming with resplendent wonders. Vietnam, a cornucopia of natural and scenic tourist spots, has established an unrivaled reputation in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and horticulture. The jewel in Vietnam’s crown, Hochimin City, dazzles with its burgeoning tourism sector, which entices a staggering eighteen million foreign tourists annually. Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to bolstering its image through strategic initiatives, such as integrating its waterways with the world, has reaped substantial rewards.
Amidst his vibrant assessment of global affairs, Dr. Sethi remains effusive about India’s soaring prominence on the world stage. With an unyielding conviction, he asserts that India’s image has experienced an exponential surge in the last nine years, captivating hearts and minds across the globe. Anchored in history, the relationship between India and Vietnam stretches back an astonishing two thousand years, tracing its origins to the venerable Champa civilization. Today, remnants of that ancient era adorn Vietnamese households, as devotees pay homage to Lord Ganesh and Goddess Saraswati. Lots of Hindu artifacts inform of Lingas, statues of Ganesha, Apsara, Nandi have been found in large numbers in different provinces of Mekong Delta. The Cham people who trace their origin to ancient Utkal . They still maintain distinct religious and social beliefs.The collaboration between India and Vietnam has burgeoned across multifarious realms, bolstering people-to-people connections and bilateral trade of 15.1 billion USD in 2022( as per Vietnam Statistics)
Delving into the essence of Vietnam’s remarkable progress, Dr. Sethi extols the virtues of its sincere, hardworking, and disciplined populace. Vietnam boasts a robust labor force and fosters a business-conducive policy environment, which has elevated it to unparalleled heights. Notably, Vietnam’s masterstroke lies in its integration of waterways, a feat that has opened new avenues for prosperity and connectivity, resonating throughout the world. Moreover, the egalitarian fabric of Vietnamese society has engendered social cohesiveness, an invaluable asset that ensures harmonious progress.
Amidst this dynamic panorama, Dr. Sethi, a paragon of diplomacy, shoulders the momentous responsibilities of overseeing twenty-nine provinces out of the sprawling sixty-four under the aegis of the ambassador. His unwavering duty remains twofold: protecting the Indian people and fortifying bilateral ties. Odisha, a bastion of pride, stands tall, basking in the glory of Dr. Sethi’s dedication and acumen, an esteemed representative who embodies the ethos of the land.
In Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Odisha finds an unrivaled torchbearer, a diplomat who heralds the state’s ascent on the global stage. As his iridescent career illuminates the path to greater possibilities, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the next chapter in the remarkable odyssey of this Odia bureaucrat-turned-global luminary.
