Dr. Shashi Tharoor is a prominent Indian politician, diplomat, author, and public intellectual. Known for his eloquence, sharp wit, and deep insights into global affairs, Tharoor has been an influential figure in Indian politics and international diplomacy. Here’s a detailed look into his life, career, and contributions:
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Shashi Tharoor was born on March 9, 1956, in London, United Kingdom, to a Malayali family from the state of Kerala, India. His father, Chandran Tharoor, was a manager at The Statesman newspaper, and his mother, Sulekha Menon, was a housewife.
- Education: Tharoor spent his early years in India, attending Montfort School in Yercaud and Campion School in Mumbai. He completed his secondary education at the prestigious St. Xavier’s Collegiate School in Kolkata.
- He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, where he was a noted debater and student leader.
- Tharoor pursued higher studies at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, where he obtained an M.A. (1976), M.A.L.D. (Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, 1977), and a Ph.D. (1978) at the age of 22.
Career in the United Nations
- Joining the UN: Tharoor began his career with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1978. Over the next three decades, he held various senior-level positions in the UN, showcasing his diplomacy and leadership on the global stage.
- Notable Roles in the UN:
- Head of UNHCR office in Singapore (1981-1984): Worked during the Vietnamese refugee crisis.
- Special Assistant to the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations (1989-1996): Played a crucial role during the Yugoslav wars.
- Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information (2002-2007): Tharoor was one of the closest aides to Secretary-General Kofi Annan and took on high-profile assignments, including handling international public relations and media.
- UN Secretary-General Candidacy (2006): Tharoor was India’s official candidate for the position of UN Secretary-General in 2006, following the end of Kofi Annan’s term. He was one of the leading contenders but eventually lost to Ban Ki-moon of South Korea, finishing second in the race.
Political Career
- Entry into Indian Politics (2009): After ending his 29-year stint with the UN, Tharoor entered Indian politics in 2009 as a candidate of the Indian National Congress (INC) from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala. He won with a large margin, marking the start of his political career.
- Minister of State for External Affairs (2009-2010): Tharoor served as Minister of State for External Affairs in the Manmohan Singh-led government. His time in office was marked by his innovative use of social media (particularly Twitter), although it was also marred by controversies related to his tweets and public statements.
- Resignation and Return (2010): Tharoor resigned from his ministerial position in 2010 following a controversy surrounding the Kochi IPL franchise, but his popularity remained intact. He was re-elected from Thiruvananthapuram in both 2014 and 2019.
- Parliamentary Work: As a Member of Parliament, Tharoor has been an active participant in various parliamentary debates and has served on several committees, including as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs. He has been a vocal advocate for reform in higher education, foreign policy, and governance.
- Champion of Progressive Causes: Tharoor is a strong advocate for secularism, pluralism, freedom of expression, and women’s rights. He has often taken stances on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, pushing for modernization and progressive changes in India’s socio-political landscape.
Literary Contributions
Tharoor is an accomplished writer, having authored over 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction. His works have been celebrated for their insightful commentary on Indian history, culture, and global affairs. Notable among his works are:
- “The Great Indian Novel” (1989): A satirical novel that recasts the Mahabharata as a modern political allegory of Indian history.
- “Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India” (2017): A powerful critique of British colonialism, this book argues against the romanticized notion of the British Empire’s “civilizing mission” in India.
- “Why I Am a Hindu” (2018): In this book, Tharoor explores the tolerant and diverse aspects of Hinduism, positioning it against the narrow interpretation of Hindutva ideology.
- “The Paradoxical Prime Minister” (2018): A critical evaluation of Narendra Modi’s tenure as India’s Prime Minister, offering insights into the political landscape of contemporary India.
- “Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century” (2012): A book on India’s foreign policy and its growing role on the global stage.
Orator and Public Intellectual
Tharoor is well-known for his oratory skills and his capacity to articulate complex ideas in simple yet elegant prose. He has delivered numerous speeches at prestigious forums such as the Oxford Union and the United Nations, captivating global audiences with his views on history, colonialism, politics, and identity.
One of his most notable speeches was in 2015 at the Oxford Union, where he forcefully argued for reparations to India from Britain for the colonial exploitation during the British Raj. The speech went viral, garnering him global acclaim.
Controversies
Tharoor has not been without controversy:
- Twitter Scandals: His frequent use of Twitter as a communication tool has led to misunderstandings and criticisms. Early in his political career, his tweets led to a couple of media controversies, most famously about staying in a five-star hotel while in office.
- Sunanda Pushkar’s Death (2014): The sudden death of his wife, Sunanda Pushkar, under mysterious circumstances in 2014 brought immense media attention. Though initially suspected of foul play, Tharoor was cleared of any involvement after years of investigation.
Personal Life
- Marriages: Tharoor has been married three times. His first marriage was to Tilottama Mukherji, an academic, with whom he has two sons, Ishaan and Kanishk Tharoor, both successful writers and journalists. His second wife was Christa Giles, a Canadian diplomat. His third wife was Sunanda Pushkar, a businesswoman, who tragically passed away in 2014.
- Personal Interests: Tharoor is known for his love of literature, cricket, and films. His command of the English language has made him a popular figure in both intellectual circles and mainstream media.
Awards and Honors
- Prix Marcel Proust (1990): For his literary contributions.
- Commonwealth Writers’ Prize (1991): For “The Great Indian Novel.”
- Cross of Honour for Science and Art (2009): From the government of Austria.
- Sahitya Akademi Award (2019): For his book of non-fiction in English, “An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India.”
Legacy and Impact
Shashi Tharoor remains a vital voice in Indian politics, diplomacy, and literature. His efforts to modernize India’s political discourse, his critique of colonialism, and his advocacy for progressive values have earned him admirers both in India and globally. With a career that spans academia, international diplomacy, writing, and politics, Tharoor continues to play a key role in shaping India’s position in the world and its internal socio-political dynamics.