Prime minister Narendra Modi's trip to Singapore has brought to light a rather amusing yet treacherous discrepancy in the speech given by him at Nanyang Technological University and his translator's interpretation of the same.
It appears that the interview was scripted and the translator already owned a copy of what was to be said throughout but the PM said a lot less and a little different than what was planned. As a result, the translator went on to speak for longer than was due.
Modi said, “Suresh asked me about the challenges faced by Asia in its ambition to have a bright future. One fact is clear that the entire world is now convinced about the 21st century belonging to Asia. The biggest challenge is whether we the people of Asia feel this fact or not. Is it that we are only feeling good about hearing or it’s actually motivating us to make the 21st century the century of Asia. This is a big challenge. Even today, we are still influenced by other parts of the world since this is how we’ve lived our life. That’s why even we find it hard to believe that this is our turn, we are capable of doing something and we will do it.”
In addition to this, the translator added, “Asia has seen the maximum rise in prosperity, opportunity and freedom in the World. Japan led the process, Asian tigers followed. China has become a major economy and it is India’s turn to sustain progress now. Yet, Asia has many challenges, South Asia, South-East Asia in particular, have similar strengths and opportunities, weaknesses and challenges. There are the following challenges that are common:
Skills for the digital age; Creating adequate jobs in the age of digital reception; Agriculture; Productivity; Water; Pollution; Rapid and mass urbanization; Sustainable habitats and affordable housing; Climate change; Protection of biodiversity; Building Sustainable infrastructure; Affordable healthcare; Protecting our ocean and blue economy.
These challenges require collaboration among governments, universities and laboratories. Policy interventions are important.”
This awkward lag can be witnessed from 35.08 onwards in the video below.
During his tenure as the prime minister, Narendra Modi has been repeatedly accused of having one-way conversations.
There have been accusations that he does not entertain questions from media and public. Critics have pointed out that in the few interviews given by him to TV channels the anchors engage in excessive praise and stay away from asking tough questions.
