Shashi Tharoor Biography: Inspiring Life, Political Journey, Achievements & Legacy
Introduction
Shashi Tharoor, a distinguished diplomat, author, and politician, is one of the most articulate and internationally recognized leaders in Indian politics. Currently serving as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Thiruvananthapuram, he is a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. Known for his eloquent speeches, intellectual depth, and literary contributions, Tharoor has represented India on both national and international stages. The Shashi Tharoor Biography reflects the journey of a global diplomat turned politician who continues to influence debates on governance, culture, and India’s place in the world.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Shashi Tharoor
- Date of Birth: 9 March 1956
- Birthplace: London, United Kingdom
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 82 kg
- Hair Color: Black (partially grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Build: Tall & Lean
Early Life and Childhood
Shashi Tharoor was born in London to Chandran Tharoor and Sulekha Menon, both originally from Kerala. His family moved back to India soon after his birth. He grew up in Mumbai, Calcutta, and Delhi, where he displayed brilliance in academics and writing from an early age.
Education
- Completed schooling at St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata and Theosophical School, Chennai.
- Graduated in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University.
- Obtained a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA, at the age of just 22.
Professional Career as a Diplomat
Tharoor joined the United Nations in 1978 and served in various important roles for over three decades.
Key Positions
- Head of the UN’s Public Information Department.
- Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information.
- Played a crucial role in peacekeeping operations in former Yugoslavia.
- In 2006, he was India’s official candidate for the post of UN Secretary-General, finishing second to Ban Ki-moon.
Entry into Indian Politics
After a long UN career, Tharoor joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 2009.
- 2009: Elected as MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
- Re-elected in 2014 and 2019, becoming a three-time MP.
- Served as Minister of State for External Affairs (2009–2010) and Minister of State for Human Resource Development (2012–2014).
Parliamentary Contributions
- Known for his eloquent speeches in Lok Sabha.
- Advocated for education, technology, foreign policy, and cultural heritage.
- Vocal critic of colonialism; his Oxford Union speech on British colonial exploitation of India became globally popular.
Literary Contributions
Shashi Tharoor is an accomplished author with more than 20 books, including fiction and non-fiction.
Notable Works
- The Great Indian Novel
- Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India
- The Paradoxical Prime Minister
- Why I Am a Hindu
His works focus on Indian history, politics, culture, and society.
Major Achievements
- Successful diplomatic career at the UN.
- Three-time MP from Kerala.
- Recognized globally as one of India’s most articulate voices.
- Prolific author and public intellectual.
- Advocated for India’s soft power, pluralism, and democracy.
Challenges and Criticism
- Resigned as Minister of State for External Affairs in 2010 over controversies regarding the IPL Kochi franchise.
- Criticized by political rivals for being “elitist” and “English-speaking”, limiting his grassroots appeal.
- Faced personal challenges, including media scrutiny of his late wife Sunanda Pushkar’s death case.
Personality and Leadership Style
Tharoor is admired for his intellect, global outlook, and oratory skills. His ability to blend literary elegance with political debate makes him unique in Indian politics. While some see him as distant from the masses, many youth and intellectuals consider him a progressive role model.
Legacy and Impact
The Shashi Tharoor Biography reflects the journey of a leader who bridged the worlds of diplomacy, literature, and politics. His impact lies not only in his parliamentary contributions but also in his global influence as a writer and thinker. His legacy will be remembered as that of a public intellectual who gave India a powerful voice on the global stage.
