Syed Akbaruddin bids adieu; novelist Vikas Swarup takes over as the MEA Spokesperson

Syed Akbaruddin has officially bid adieu to his post of MEA Spokesperson. Novelist Vikas Swarup is all set to take over this high-profile job and he certainly has large shoes to fill after Akbaruddin.

Akbaruddin, during his tenure in the UPA regime and NDA government, made sure that he is accessible to media and the public for all their questions. He took over the role of MEA Spokesperson in 2011. He was the only government official who was proactive on social media. The @MEAIndia twitter handle was prompt, informative and updated. All thanks to Mr Akbaruddin.

Akbaruddin has been promoted to the position of Additional Secretary and he will also be the Chief Co-ordinator for the Indo-Africa Forum Summit. He was also known to give proper replies to people on Twitter and Facebook. He made himself media-savvy and easily accessible so that the government's stance on various issues is clear to the public.

Often Akbaruddin has made tongue-in-cheek replies to various people on Twitter for their jibes against PM or his office. 

Senior diplomat Vikas Swarup, whose debut novel was made into the Oscar-winning movie "Slumdog Millionaire", assumed charge as Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry on Saturday. A 1986 batch IFS officer, Swarup had accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Akbaruddin on the three-nation tour to France, Germany and Canada.

Swarup is the author of internationally acclaimed novel "Q&A" which was made into "Slumdog Millionaire", which won eight Academy Awards in 2009, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Before assuming charge, Swarup was holding the charge of Joint Secretary (United Nations- Political) in the MEA. 

Akbaruddin tweeted announcing his last day in office on Saturday. The handle has more than 313k followers. Now the name on the Twitter handle @MEAIndia has been changed to Vikas Swarup from Syed Akbaruddin.

Farewell friends. @MEAIndia to be with my colleague Vikas Swarup who, as u can see, is fully in the picture :-) pic.twitter.com/Tza6oUshh4

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2015

Last day at work usually provides rare opportunities. In my case, a selfie with an indulgent PM @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/4ekxE9vK2w

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2015

Twitter was flooded with best wishes for Syed Akbaruddin.

@MEAIndia Sir Syed Akbaruddin, We know u will find many ways to continue to serve Mother India with your relentless service. #Proud

— Vinay Madaan (@vinaymadaan) April 18, 2015

Syed Akbaruddin, you shall be missed. Exceptional personality! Really grounded and caring about people's concerns. Hope you have a good one!

— Aditya Pokharna (@Aditya_Pokharna) April 18, 2015

Syed Akbaruddin @MEAIndia is a great example, of a bureaucrat, going beyond the Job Description & Setting New Standards, Great Job Done Sir!

— ♚THE NITIN♚ (@nitin_nitingarg) April 18, 2015

A salute to the outgoing @MEAIndia, Syed Akbaruddin. What a fine man, what impeccable professional! Happy tidings for the new office! :)

— Nishtha Gautam (@TedhiLakeer) April 18, 2015