BS-Seema Nazareth Award: Full text of ex-foreign secy Nirupama Rao's speech

Ordinary people can help break down diplomatic baggage, says Rao

Former foreign secretary Nirupama Rao's delivered a speech at BS Seema Nazareth Awards function. Here's the full text of her speech. 

"It is an honor to be present at the Business Standard Seema Nazareth Awards function. In doing so, we remember a young writer and journalist, a creative and eloquent voice tragically snatched from our midst in her prime. We also honor the spirit of independent journalism, the spirit of enquiry and objectivity of representation, which are hallmarks of a democratic, plural society. My warm congratulations to Nitin Kumar the Award winner, and Akshara Srivastava who receives a Special Mention;