“Twitter is like interactive Akashwani, and part of new media like TV,radio,newspaper”

Ahmedabad, 27 November, 2011

Former Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor today said that Twitter is like an interactive ‘akashwani’ where we can ask questions, give answers, and advice.

“Social networking media, like Twitter and Facebook, is basically to reach out to the youngsters. It also helps in getting response from the people faster. Twitter is like an interactive ‘akashwani’ where we can ask questions, give answers, and advice,” Tharoor said on the sidelines of an award function at the National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad.

Tharoor said the social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook are also a part of new media like television, radio and newspaper.

Speaking on Jan Lokpal movement, former senior advisor to United Nations secretary general Tharoor said if Anna Hazare sticks to his version of Lokpal Bill and opposes any changes in it could create problems.

“I respect Hazare a lot. What he has done to shake the conscious of people on corruption is very good, but there can be difference of opinion about Lokpal bill. If Hazare says that only his Janlokpal bill should be introduced without any changes, then it would create a problem. After all you have elected us to do your work, then we must also be allowed to use our judgement,” Tharoor said.

the former senior advisor to United Nations secretary general, also spoke in favour of the social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook and said that like television, radio and newspaper, it is also a part of new media.

Backing Central government’s decision to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail,Tharoor said that it would generate additional employment opportunities.

“Most countries have understood from experience that FDI brings in more investments from abroad. In most countries, FDI is a way of contributing to additional employment. As more capital comes in, more institutions or shops and stores are established and you need more people to run them. In fact, when the change in development comes you have to look at aggregate good”

“It is possible that some people might be immediately affected. But larger number will benefit,” he said.

“They (small shop owners) can provide more personalized service. So the small shops that have been there for generations can also flourish if they have different approach than the big shops,” he said.

“Government is doing what is required and would continue doing that. Pranab Mukherjee (Finance Minister) had two days ago made a statement in the Parliament that inflation would come down by March,” Tharoor said.

“One thing is clear that as per the law of supply and demand, everything can not be in the control of the government,” the former minister said.

“Only India and China are the two big countries which have not been affected by recession. Our rate of growth is over 8 percent since last few years. Whereas in some countries the rate of growth has been in the negative. If you look at global picture India’s condition is much better,” he added.