Air-India to remain Air-India It seemed ironical the proposed privatisation of the airline was debated by political stalwarts, bureaucrats and journalists on board, even as Air-India's staff tried to pamper them. As the Maharajah approached Italy, it was disclosed that Air-India's privatisation might figure in talks with European businessmen. Italy, incidentally, has an enviable record in privatisation of sick public sector units. India could learn a thing or two from Italy's experience, officials said. A few informed sources whispered that the airline won't be privatised, at least not until the next foreign visit of the prime minister. Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha assured that Air-India would remain Air-India, whether or not it is privatised. Meaning, there won't be any change in name of the airline. How India Will Get UN Security Council Seat During his interactions with mediapersons on board the PM's flight, a senior official in the Prime Minister's Office would stress that he should not be quoted. He would share juicy bits of info. "Off-the-record please," he would say smilingly. His official, short answers ("Yes/no/maybe") to questions on sensitive issues were, of course, on-the-record. But he broke his own convention when asked about India's attempts to gain international support for its right/claim to a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Instead of saying yes, no or maybe, or going off-the-record, he narrated a story: "Before the Second World War, no one recognised Japan's amazing industrial progress and achievements. Only after it mounted 18-inch guns on its warships did other countries began recognising Japan as an economic marvel....I won't say more, but aap zara sochiyay (you think a little), you will understand." BACK     NEXT: Namaste Pradhan Mantri-ji; Your Bharat mahaan; Vignettes of Rome; Asians Ahoy!; Life and style in Rome; Vajpayee da Gama; Dining with a VVIP's daughter-in-law; Spotlight on Portugal; The old and the beautiful Portuguese; Youth on their toes; TV is cool; Lisbon is a party in June; New Millennium, old communication methods; Modern Maharajas have the cake and eat it too; A joyous nation dives to depths of sorrow. Tell us what you think of this diary
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