Shashi Tharoor: A Multifaceted Personality in Literature, Politics, and Philanthropy
Growing up, Shashi was an avid reader and developed a passion for writing at an early age. His father's work as a journalist also inspired him to pursue a career in writing and journalism. He started writing for newspapers and magazines while still in college, and his first book, "Reasons of State," was published when he was only 26 years old.
Table of Contents
- Shashi Tharoor's Early Life
- Shashi Tharoor's Career
- Shashi Tharoor's Achievements
- Shashi Tharoor's Personal Life
Shashi Tharoor's Early Life
Shashi Tharoor was born in London in 1956, to Indian parents who had emigrated to the United Kingdom. His father, Chandran Tharoor, was a journalist and his mother, Lily Tharoor, was a housewife. Shashi spent his childhood in various countries due to his father's job, including India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
He completed his high school education at St. Xavier's Collegiate School in Kolkata, India. He then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in history from St. Stephen's College in Delhi, India. He later received a master's degree in international relations and a Ph.D. in political science from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA.
Overall, Shashi Tharoor's early life was marked by a diverse upbringing and a passion for writing and literature, which would later influence his career as a writer and politician.
Shashi Tharoor's Career
Shashi Tharoor's career began in 1978 when he joined the United Nations as a staff member. He worked in various positions within the organization for over 25 years, serving in peacekeeping operations in Yugoslavia and as the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information.
During his time at the UN, Tharoor gained a reputation as a skilled communicator and writer. He was often called upon to address the media and give speeches on behalf of the organization. He also authored several books on the United Nations, including "The United Nations: A Very Short Introduction" and "An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India."
In 2001, Tharoor resigned from his position at the UN and returned to India to pursue a career in politics. He joined the Indian National Congress party and was elected as a member of parliament in 2009, representing the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala.
Tharoor quickly became a prominent figure in Indian politics, known for his eloquence and progressive views. He was appointed as the Minister of State for External Affairs in 2009 and served in this role until 2010. He has also held several other ministerial positions, including Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Minister of State for Information Technology.
Aside from his political career, Tharoor has continued to write and publish extensively. He has authored over 20 books, including works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. He is also a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines, and is known for his active presence on social media.
Overall, Shashi Tharoor's career has been marked by his extensive experience in international relations and diplomacy, as well as his contributions to Indian politics and literature.
Shashi Tharoor's Achievements
United Nations Career: Tharoor had a distinguished career in the United Nations, where he served for over 25 years in various positions. He was known for his communication skills and was often called upon to give speeches on behalf of the organization. Tharoor also authored several books on the United Nations.
Political Career: Tharoor has been a member of parliament in India since 2009, representing the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala. He has held several ministerial positions, including Minister of State for External Affairs, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, and Minister of State for Information Technology.
Writing Career: Tharoor is a prolific author and has published over 20 books. He is known for his works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. His book "The Great Indian Novel" is a satirical take on Indian politics and is widely regarded as a classic.
Academic Achievements: Tharoor holds a Ph.D. in political science from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Massachusetts. He has also been awarded several honorary degrees, including an honorary D.Litt from the University of Calcutta.
Awards and Honours: Tharoor has been the recipient of several awards and honours, including the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the Commonwealth Writers' Prize, and the Crossword Book Award. He was also listed as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2014.
Social Media Presence: Tharoor is known for his active presence on social media and has a large following on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. He is often praised for his witty and insightful posts on current events and politics.
Overall, Shashi Tharoor's achievements span across his career in the United Nations, his contributions to Indian politics and literature, and his academic and literary accomplishments. His wit and communication skills have made him a well-known and influential figure both in India and internationally.
Shashi Tharoor's Personal Life
Shashi Tharoor was born on March 9, 1956, in London to Malayali parents. His father, Chandran Tharoor, was a journalist and his mother, Lily Tharoor, was a homemaker. Tharoor spent his childhood in Kolkata, where his father worked as a journalist.
Tharoor was married to Tilottama Mukherji from 1976 to 2007. The couple had two sons, Ishaan and Kanishk. In 2010, Tharoor married Sunanda Pushkar, a businesswoman and socialite. However, Pushkar passed away in 2014, under mysterious circumstances.
Tharoor is known for his love of literature and is an avid reader and writer. He is fluent in several languages, including English, Hindi, Malayalam, and French. Tharoor is also a cricket enthusiast and has been a commentator for cricket matches.
Tharoor is a well-travelled individual and has lived in several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Singapore. He is known for his cosmopolitan outlook and has been vocal about the need for India to embrace globalization and multiculturalism.
Tharoor is also involved in various social and philanthropic initiatives. He is a patron of several charities and non-profit organizations, including the Save the Children foundation and the Akshaya Patra foundation.
Overall, Shashi Tharoor's personal life has been marked by his love of literature, cricket, and multiculturalism. He has been married twice and is a father to two sons. Tharoor is also actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives and charitable causes.