Shashi Tharoor – A Biography of the Renowned Indian Politician and Author

Shashi Tharoor is a well-known Indian politician, author, and former international civil servant who has made significant contributions to Indian politics, literature, and public speaking. This biography provides an overview of Tharoor’s career in international diplomacy, political achievements, and recognition for his contributions to Indian literature and society. Learn more about Shashi Tharoor, a distinguished personality who has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by the Time magazine.

Shashi Tharoor is a well-known Indian politician, writer, and former international civil servant who has made significant contributions to Indian politics and literature. He is widely recognized for his eloquence, intelligence, and remarkable achievements in various fields. This blog post will provide an overview of Shashi Tharoor’s biography and his noteworthy accomplishments.

Early Life and Education:

Shashi Tharoor was born on March 9, 1956, in London, England. His family returned to India when he was just six months old, and he grew up in a multilingual environment in various cities across India. Tharoor received his primary education at Montfort School in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. He also holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and a Ph.D. in Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Career in International Diplomacy:

After completing his education, Tharoor joined the United Nations in 1978 and served in various positions over a period of 29 years. He was the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information from 2002 to 2007 and served as the interim head of the Department of Public Information from 2007 to 2009. During his tenure at the UN, Tharoor was instrumental in several initiatives, including the creation of the UNHCR’s “Nansen Refugee Award” and the “United Nations Information Technology Service.”

Political Career:

Tharoor’s political career began in 2009 when he contested and won the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala in the Indian General Elections. He was re-elected in 2014 and 2019. During his tenure as an MP, Tharoor has served as the Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, and the Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development. He has also held various positions in the Indian National Congress, including as the Minister of State for External Affairs from 2009 to 2010.

Achievements:

Apart from his contributions to international diplomacy and politics, Shashi Tharoor is also a renowned author and public speaker. He has authored numerous books, including “The Great Indian Novel,” “India: From Midnight to the Millennium,” “An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India,” and “Why I Am a Hindu.” He has also delivered several widely-acclaimed speeches, including his speech at the Oxford Union in 2015, which received over 3 million views on YouTube.

Tharoor’s contributions to Indian politics and literature have been widely recognized, and he has received several awards and honors. He was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2004, the Sahitya Academy Award in 2019, and the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 2019. He has also been named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2010.

Conclusion:

Shashi Tharoor is a remarkable personality who has excelled in multiple fields, including international diplomacy, politics, literature, and public speaking. His contributions to Indian politics and literature have been significant, and he has been recognized as one of the most influential figures in the world. With his intelligence, eloquence, and dedication to public service, Tharoor continues to inspire people around the world to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on society.