Interview Times 
In the prestigious corridors of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), few names resonate as powerfully as Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Dr. Sethi has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, representing India on the global stage with distinction. Now, as he embarks on a new chapter as the Consul General of India in Auckland, New Zealand, Dr. Sethi is poised to bring his expertise to one of the world’s most vibrant multicultural hubs.
For Dr. Sethi, Auckland symbolizes both a fresh beginning and an invigorating challenge. The city, known for its rich multiculturalism and home to a thriving Indian diaspora of over 200,000, offers a fertile ground for deepening Indo-Kiwi relations. “My immediate priority is to establish the consulate’s operations and provide top-tier services to the Indian community,” he shares.
However, Dr. Sethi’s vision extends far beyond administrative duties. He is committed to strengthening bilateral ties through strategic initiatives in trade, commerce, higher education, cultural exchanges, and media collaboration. “Auckland, being a hub for commerce and finance, holds immense potential. From organizing trade fairs to exploring opportunities for skilled Indian professionals, I aim to unlock every avenue to enhance this relationship,” he remarks with conviction.
In the realm of education, Dr. Sethi envisions fostering partnerships between premier institutions like the University of Auckland and leading Indian universities. Initiatives such as student and faculty exchanges, along with internship programs, could pave the way for stronger academic connections.
On cultural grounds, Dr. Sethi underscores the rich parallels between India’s ancient tribal traditions and New Zealand’s Maori heritage, advocating for indigenous cultural exchanges to foster mutual appreciation and understanding.
A proud native of Odisha, Dr. Sethi is passionate about leveraging the state’s cultural heritage to create a global brand. “Odisha has a wealth of cultural heritage dating back thousands of years,” he notes. He believes the state can promote its cultural and tribal heritage through extensive media stories, attracting global tourists. “From our tribal traditions to our architectural marvels, Odisha has so much to offer. With the right approach, we can position the state as a premier global cultural destination,” he adds.
Dr. Sethi also acknowledges the transformative role that Odisha’s youth and entrepreneurs play in shaping the state’s future. Over the past two decades, Odisha has made significant strides in education, healthcare, tourism, and entrepreneurship. However, he believes there is still much more to be done to elevate the state’s global profile. By fostering innovation and facilitating global collaboration, Dr. Sethi envisions a future where Odisha’s talent and resources are recognized internationally.
Throughout his career, Dr. Sethi has been a passionate advocate for addressing societal issues, particularly those concerning women and children. “Children must be provided with good education and the right attitudes from an early age,” he asserts. He emphasizes the importance of addressing children’s health and nutritional needs while working to eradicate malnutrition and child labor. For women, Dr. Sethi advocates for education and skill development to empower them with financial independence.
When asked about his dream project for Odisha, Dr. Sethi’s vision is clear: “I believe Odisha has enormous potential for development.” Despite the state’s annual challenges with floods and cyclones, he sees vast opportunities in utilizing Odisha’s rich mineral and human resources. His dream is to ensure that every person in Odisha has access to adequate food, clothing, and housing, while eliminating begging within the state. He also envisions organizing numerous cultural festivals and promoting business relations to showcase Odisha’s vast potential to the world.
For aspiring diplomats, especially those from Odisha, Dr. Sethi offers invaluable advice: “Diplomacy is about building bridges—between nations, cultures, and people. Embrace your roots, and let them guide your journey,” he says.
Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi’s illustrious career and steadfast dedication to his homeland make him a true torchbearer for Odisha on the global stage. As he steps into his new role in Auckland, his vision for strengthening India-New Zealand relations and promoting Odisha’s cultural and economic potential is set to leave a lasting impact. Dr. Sethi’s journey is a remarkable odyssey of an Odia bureaucrat-turned-global luminary, inspiring many to follow in his footsteps.
