Shashi Tharoor

"In the modern globalizing world, information sows the seeds of prosperity, and those who are without access to information are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to building a better future for themselves and for their children." Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor, an influential Indian politician and former diplomat, brings a wealth of experience and insight to discussions on global and Indian affairs. With a PhD from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Tharoor's extensive background in international policy and his articulate speaking style provide a deep understanding of world affairs and the dynamics that shape them. Born in London and educated in India and the United States, he is a respected authority on India's history, culture, and politics. He is currently a Member of Parliament for the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala and serves as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs.

Tharoor's career at the United Nations, which began in 1978 with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva, includes serving as the UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information from 2002 to 2007. In 2006, Tharoor was the official candidate of India for the succession to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, finishing as the runner-up in a competitive field. Beyond his diplomatic career, Tharoor is a prolific author, having written 16 bestselling books on topics ranging from India’s colonial history to its rise as a 21st-century power. Notable titles include "An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India," "Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India," and "The Elephant, The Tiger, and the Cellphone: India, the Emerging 21st-Century Power." His literary contributions have earned him several awards, including a Commonwealth Writers' Prize, and he has been honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, India's highest award for non-resident Indians.

Through his books, political career, and time at the UN, Tharoor has demonstrated a commitment to fostering greater dialogue and understanding on both international and Indian issues. His experiences provide a valuable perspective for addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in global and regional affairs.