Shashi Tharoor: Migration should be a choice, not a necessity

 “When people from the most prosperous places, such as Punjab and Gujarat, are so desperate to leave, it is more out of necessity than choice", says Shashi Tharoor, Author, Politician, and Former International Diplomat at ABP Network's Ideas of India 2025.

Talking about the current state of migrations, Dr. Tharoor further added, "India’s growth story remains a paradox—while the economy expands, rising unemployment and crises like drug addiction in Punjab are eroding hope. When people in India are desperate to leave, it signals a deeper crisis. The lure of foreign shores is due to rising unemployment. They see no future in a land they once called home. We should not stay silent about how our people are treated abroad. Migrants work endless hours in exploitative conditions. To break the cycle, we need real change in investment, employment, and entrepreneurship. People should feel confident about their future here. Migration should be a choice, not a necessity, where success is celebrated, not just an aspirational dream."

When asked about deporting illegal immigrants in a demeaning manner, he responded, "It’s an insult to our nation. If they must be sent back, it should be done with dignity. Don't treat them in a dehumanizing way."

Talking about the history of Migration, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, said, “Migration is not merely a policy issue. It is a human story woven into our history and our collective aspirations. Between 1834 and 1917, 2 million Indians were sent abroad as laborers. They built Singapore, they contributed to so many foreign countries. They endured brutal conditions, yet their resilience has shaped the cultural fabric of their adopted lands, from Mauritius to Trinidad. Over time, migration evolved—laborers, traders, professionals, and entrepreneurs started moving, seeking opportunities worldwide. The 20th century saw waves of migrations from our country, which culminated in the tech-driven exodus of the 1990s. Migration has always been a force multiplier, benefiting both migrants and host nations.I started my UN career with the UN High Commission for Refugees. There, I saw a poster that read, 'A bundle of belongings is not the only thing a refugee brings from his country.' It featured a picture of Einstein—who himself was a refugee. For decades, the allure of the American Dream has driven Indians to migrate in search of better opportunities."

"Speaking on India-Canada relations and his views on handling certain issues differently, Dr. Shashi Tharoor stated, 'It is unforgivable to condone and allow certain elements on their soil. If we are referring to Khalistani extremists, such activities are illegal, and we cannot allow them to go unchecked.'"

When asked if Rahul Gadhi will ever be able to revive congress back to its past glory, Dr. Shashi Tharoor said, “Give us a chance to prove ourselves.”

ABP Network's Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier,’ will bring together thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brought together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.

Also Read: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on India TV's flagship show - Aap Ki Adalat