Anand Sharma: The last few years and in particular, the last few months, have been interesting and challenging ones. We have been able to articulate with clarity India's position on many issues which are of global interest. We have also been able to make an impact as a country which has a rightful aspiration for a global leadership position in this century. It was Indian diplomacy which helped us to convince the world about India's impeccable credentials and commitment to non-proliferation when we carried, first the IAEA??? vote and later the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers' Group???). That was one of the most hectic periods for us. Another was when we took the initiative to commemorate the centenary of the Satyagraha.in 2006-7????. We held the biggest conference that independent India ever hosted though it was outside the government ambit. One integral component of that declaration was to ask the United Nations to declare Mahatma Gandhi's birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence. The convening of a special UN session??? was one of the great moments, a humbling experience but a very proud one too as I moved the resolution.

I can say that India's sincerity and honesty in our approach is accepted worldwide, our country commands respect, our counsel is taken on major issues.

At the Information and Broadcasting ministry; I stepped in because of Priyaranjan ???Dasmunsi's grave illness four months ago. Major decisions have been made, many of the pending issues resolved including the problems regarding the Prasar Bharati employees which was not resolved for 12 years.

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