Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Shashi Tharoor (born March 9, 1956) is an Indian diplomat, writer, and politician. Read about his early life, UN career, political journey, books, public persona, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Shashi Tharoor is one of India’s most widely recognized public intellectuals—an accomplished writer, former UN official, and seasoned politician. With a remarkable command of English, a prolific literary output, and a long history in diplomacy and public life, he blends global perspective with Indian concerns. His speeches go viral, his books provoke debate, and his persona bridges the worlds of literature, governance, and public discourse.
Early Life and Family
Shashi Krishnan Tharoor was born on March 9, 1956 in London, England, to Indian parentage. Montfort School, Yercaud, and then in Mumbai’s Campion School.
He is the elder sibling to two younger sisters, Shobha and Smitha.
His familial roots in Kerala (Malayali heritage) have remained a part of his identity even as he has lived and worked all over India and abroad.
Education & Diplomatic Foundations
Tharoor pursued higher education with distinction:
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He completed his Bachelor’s in History at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.
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He then went on to Tufts University in the United States, where he earned an MA, MALD (Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy), and PhD degrees.
These academic credentials set him up for a career in international affairs.
In 1978, Tharoor joined the United Nations (UN), embarking on a long diplomatic and multilateral career.
He also campaigned to be Secretary-General of the UN in 2006, finishing second in the voting.
During his UN career, he served in refugee work (for instance, at UNHCR), peacekeeping, and public diplomacy.
Political Career & Public Service
After leaving the UN, Tharoor entered Indian electoral politics:
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In 2009, he was elected Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
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He has retained that seat through subsequent elections.
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He has held ministerial responsibilities in the past, such as Minister of State for External Affairs (2009–2010) and Minister of State for Human Resource Development (2012–2014).
In Parliament and public debates, Tharoor often raises issues of India’s foreign policy, colonial legacy, India’s image, governance reforms, and the role of soft power.
One of his more widely known moments was the Oxford Union speech in 2015, in which he argued that Britain owes reparations to its former colonies—especially India—due to the long-term economic damage wrought by colonialism.
Literary & Intellectual Output
Tharoor is a prolific writer, both of fiction and nonfiction. His works often combine erudition, historical insight, and rhetorical elegance. Some notable titles include:
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The Great Indian Novel — a satirical retelling of Indian history through the lens of the Mahabharata.
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India: From Midnight to the Millennium — recounting India’s post-independence history.
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Why I Am a Hindu — a reflection on faith, secularism, and identity in India.
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Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India — expanding on his Oxford speech’s themes, critically re-evaluating colonialism.
In addition to books, Tharoor writes columns and essays. He has contributed to leading Indian papers and international outlets.
His writing often emphasizes India’s pluralistic traditions, the importance of historical memory, and the balance between pride and critique.
Legacy and Influence
Shashi Tharoor’s influence spans several domains:
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Public intellectual: He is one of India’s most visible thinkers and debaters, often appearing in media, talk shows, interviews, debates, and social media platforms.
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Bridging worlds: Having served in global institutions yet working in Indian politics, he links India to international discourse.
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Reinvigorating public debate on colonial legacy: Through his speeches and writings (especially Inglorious Empire), he has renewed conversation about the economic, cultural, and moral costs of colonialism in India.
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Eloquent advocacy: His command of language, wit, and rhetorical flair make him a voice that is widely quoted and shared.
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Champion of pluralism: He frequently defends diversity, secularism, free speech, and tolerance in India’s political and social fabric.
Personality, Style & Public Persona
Tharoor is known for his erudition, verbosity, and elegant diction. He often uses literary references, humor, and rhetorical flourishes in speeches. His speeches are frequently uploaded and shared online, appealing to audiences beyond India.
He has a confident, polished style and engages both emotionally and intellectually with issues. At times, critics accuse him of verbosity or elitism, but for many admirers, his articulate expression of Indian aspirations is a strength.
Personal aspects: Tharoor was first married to Tilottama Mukherji in 1981; they had twin sons, Kanishk and Ishaan. Christa Giles, a Canadian diplomat.
Famous Quotes of Shashi Tharoor
Below are some of his more celebrated or representative quotes:
“India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.”
“If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali — a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different … they belong together on the same plate.”
“I believe in an India of pluralism and diversity, not of religious bigotry and caste politics. I believe in an India that is secure in itself and confident of its place in the world.”
“I do not look to history to absolve my country of the need to do things right today. I seek to understand the wrongs of yesterday … to understand the past for itself.”
“A witticism in an airport security line is like a Swiss tap — turn it on, and you instantly find yourself in hot water.”
Tharoor’s official site also maintains a curated selection of his quotations.
Lessons from Shashi Tharoor
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Use the power of words with purpose
Tharoor demonstrates that eloquence—if paired with substance—can shape public discourse and challenge narratives. -
Global outlook, local roots
His career shows that one can be deeply Indian in identity while participating confidently in international affairs. -
Continue learning and evolving
He shifted from diplomacy to politics and has engaged with new themes (e.g. colonial reparations) mid-career. -
Bear the burden of history thoughtfully
Rather than be silenced by the past, he engages with it critically and responsibly. -
Defend diversity and pluralism
A recurring theme in his public work is the defense of a plural India where multiple voices coexist.
Conclusion
Shashi Tharoor is a singular figure in India’s public life: a diplomat, author, politician, and orator who consistently brings intellectual rigor and rhetorical elegance to debate. His influence lies not only in offices held or books sold, but in the ideas he forces us to confront—about history, identity, power, and India’s place in the world.