Author Introduction

Shashi Tharoor is an Indian politician, diplomat, author, and public intellectual, widely admired for his eloquence and prolific writing. A member of the Indian National Congress, he has served as a Member of Parliament since 2009. Before entering Indian politics, he had a distinguished career at the United Nations. Tharoor’s works span history, politics, culture, and identity, establishing him as one of the most versatile voices in contemporary Indian literature.

Early Life & Background

Born on March 9, 1956, in London, Tharoor grew up in India, primarily in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi. He studied at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and later pursued higher education at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, USA, where he earned a PhD in International Relations at the age of 22. His cosmopolitan upbringing and academic brilliance shaped his worldview and writing.

Writing Journey

Tharoor began writing from a young age, publishing fiction in his college years. His breakthrough novel, The Great Indian Novel (1989), reimagined the Mahabharata as a political satire on modern Indian history. Over the years, he authored works on Indian culture, history, and global affairs. Why I Am a Hindu (2018) reflected his engagement with religion, presenting Hinduism as a faith of pluralism and inclusivity.

Published Works

• Fiction: The Great Indian Novel (1989), Show Business (1992), Riot (2001).
• Non-Fiction: India: From Midnight to the Millennium (1997), Inglorious Empire (2017), Why I Am a Hindu (2018), The Battle of Belonging (2020).
• Essays & Columns: Numerous articles in international and Indian journals and newspapers.
  

Writing Style & Themes

Tharoor’s style is marked by wit, erudition, and a flair for language. His works often address themes of colonialism, nationalism, identity, politics, and cultural heritage. He is known for blending historical insight with literary imagination, often weaving in satire and sharp critique.

Achievements & Recognition

• Longlisted for the Booker Prize for his novel The Great Indian Novel.
• Recipient of India’s Sahitya Akademi Award (2019) for An Era of Darkness.
• Named among the “Global Leaders of Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum.
• Served as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (2001–2007).
  

Beyond Writing

Alongside his literary career, Tharoor has been deeply involved in diplomacy and politics. At the UN, he worked on peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts before contesting for the post of Secretary-General in 2006. As a parliamentarian, he has been active in debates on governance, foreign policy, and cultural issues. His speeches and debates in Parliament and international forums are widely circulated.

Future Projects

Tharoor continues to write extensively, balancing his political career with his literary pursuits. He has hinted at future works exploring India’s democratic journey and global role.

Quotes / Writing Philosophy

“There is an Indian way of doing things, a distinctive Indian style, deeply rooted in the civilization’s history and ethos.” – Shashi Tharoor