Dr. Shashi Tharoor is a prominent Indian diplomat, politician, and a highly regarded author renowned for his exceptional eloquence and rhetorical prowess. Following a distinguished 30-year career at the United Nations (UN), where he served as Under-Secretary-General, he transitioned to Indian politics, serving twice as a Union Minister. He is an authoritative voice on international affairs, Indian history, and political economy.
Tharoor’s academic journey is distinguished; he received his Ph.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University at the age of 22, making him the youngest person at the time to earn a doctorate from the school. His career in the UN saw him rise through various capacities, including head of the UNHCR office in Singapore, culminating in his nomination by India for the post of UN Secretary-General in 2006. He is a recipient of India's highest honor for nonresident Indians, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
As a politician, he has been re-elected to the Lok Sabha for five consecutive terms since 2009. He held ministerial posts in External Affairs and Human Resource Development, and was instrumental in founding the All India Professionals Congress. His extensive writing includes the bestsellers An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India and The Great Indian Novel, the former of which earned him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2019.
As a speaker, Dr. Tharoor draws on his vast experience in global policy, often delivering illuminating addresses on international issues, India's political climate, and the complex relationship between technology and governance. His linguistic flair, featuring recondite words, has become a feature of Indian popular culture. He is a Global Leader of Tomorrow (WEF) and his insights are essential for understanding the forces that shape contemporary world policy.
