By Zile Singh

A diplomat must be discreet and patient, neither too timid nor too excitable.  He should know the customs and the history of his hosts inside out.  He should be able to put himself in the place of his interlocutor. Tactful, politic, sensitive and subtle are some synonyms of a diplomat.  

On August 25, 2024, His Excellency Mr. Masakui Rungsung who joined the Consulate General of India, Vancouver as the Consul General recently was welcomed by Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha, Burnaby at their Gurudwara at 7271 Gilley Avenue.   As its name suggests, the Ravidassia community, back home, belong to the lowest section of society.  Majority of them belong to the State of Punjab in India. They believe in the Sikh religion.The followers of Guru Ravidass started settling down in BC, Canada since 1906.  Being in the financial constraints initially, they used to attend the common Sikh Gurudwaras.  Gradually they felt uncomfortable there and decided to have their own place of worship called Sri Guru Ravidass SabhaIt was established in 1982. The Ravidass Sabha, ever since, has a close relation with the Indian Consulate. The successive Consul Generals have been attending the Sabha’s important days. High Commissioner Vikas Swarup set a record by visiting this Gurudwara twice during his tenure in Ottawa.  The-then Deputy Consul General Mr.  Zile Singh on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Jayanti in April 2007 inaugurated the Library named after Dr. Saheb in the premises of the Gurudwara. 

On arrival, the Consul General had a meeting with the Executive Board of the Sabha headed by Mr. Harjit Sohpaul.  Later he addressed the Sangat gathered in the main Hall. To the expectations of all, the Consul General met the qualifications of a true diplomat mentioned above.  He highlighted the need of inclusion, equality,and the importance of a socialistic pattern of society.  He said that far from the homeland, the universal brotherhood alone can make us proud of Guru Ravidass’s legacy.  “Begampura” a concept coined by Ravidassmeets the requirements of inclusion, equality, fraternity,dignity and freedom from hunger. He assured that everybodywas welcome to let the Consulate know of any Consular problem faced by them where the Consulate could be of any help.

The CG was accompanied by Mr. Sanjay Malhotra, Consul.  The Sabha honoured both of them with Saropas. The members of the Sabha wished him well in this challenging assignment. CG visited the Library and offered donating suitable books. 

Mr.Rungsung Passed his M.A in English Language from Delhi University.  After serving two years in the Reserve Bank of India, New Delhi, he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2001. In addition to his postings in Indonesia, South Africa, and Bangladesh he has served as the High Commissioner in Zimbabwe and Jamaica. In the Ministry he worked as Under Secretary in the United Nations Division and as Director, External Publicity Division. He is married to Ms. Zingcharwon. They have two sons. He takes interest in golf, badminton, tennis, and trekking. 

Zile Singh is a well respected Columnist, Writer and a Vipassana Meditater. He has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Human Rights.  He can be reached at zsnirwal@yahoo.ca