Shashi Tharoor Short Biography
Shashi Tharoor is an Indian politician, author and former United Nations diplomat. Born on 9 March 1956 in London, he completed his education in India and the United States before beginning a long career with the United Nations.
After spending more than two decades in international diplomacy, Tharoor entered Indian politics with the Congress party. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Thiruvananthapuram in 2009 and has continued to represent the constituency through several elections.
Alongside politics, he has built a successful career as an author. His books on Indian history, politics and society have received wide attention.
Today, Shashi Tharoor is known for his experience in diplomacy, political career, books, public speaking and distinctive command of the English language.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shashi Tharoor |
| Date of Birth | 9 March 1956 |
| Age (2026) | 70 Years |
| Birthplace | London, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Politician, Author, Diplomat |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress (INC) |
| Current Position | Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha |
| Lok Sabha Constituency | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Father | Chandran Tharoor |
| Mother | Lily Tharoor |
| Wife | Sunanda Pushkar (late) |
| Marital Status | Widower |
| Education | B.A., M.A., Ph.D. |
| University | St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi; Tufts University |
| Former Profession | United Nations diplomat |
| UN Career | More than two decades |
| Known For | Politics, writing, public speaking and diplomacy |
| Books | An Era of Darkness, The Great Indian Novel, Why I Am a Hindu |
| Major Awards | Sahitya Akademi Award |
| Net Worth | As declared in election records; subject to change |
Early Life & Education
Shashi Tharoor was born on 9 March 1956 in London to an Indian family. His father, Chandran Tharoor, worked as a journalist and newspaper executive.
Tharoor completed his schooling in India and later studied at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. He subsequently moved to the United States for higher education at Tufts University.
He earned a master’s degree and later completed a Ph.D. in International Relations. His academic background played an important role in his later career in diplomacy, writing and politics.
United Nations Career
Before entering electoral politics, Shashi Tharoor spent more than two decades working with the United Nations.
He held several positions within the organization and worked on international affairs, communications and humanitarian issues. His UN career gave him extensive experience in international diplomacy and global politics.
He eventually became Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Communications and Public Information.
His international experience later became an important part of his political identity, particularly in matters related to India’s foreign policy and global relations.
Political Career
Shashi Tharoor entered Indian electoral politics with the Indian National Congress. In the 2009 Lok Sabha election, he won from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
He became a Union Minister of State in the UPA government and handled responsibilities related to External Affairs and later Human Resource Development.
He continued to represent Thiruvananthapuram in subsequent Lok Sabha elections. His political career has included parliamentary debates, policy discussions and international diplomacy.
Apart from his constituency work, Tharoor has become a prominent voice on Indian politics and public policy.
Career as an Author
Writing has been a major part of Shashi Tharoor’s career. He has authored books on history, politics, culture, religion and contemporary India.
Some of his well-known books include:
- The Great Indian Novel
- An Era of Darkness
- Why I Am a Hindu
- Pax Indica
- The Battle of Belonging
His writing has helped him develop an audience beyond politics and establish himself as a prominent Indian author.
Awards & Recognition
Shashi Tharoor has received recognition for both his literary and public contributions. One of his notable honours is the Sahitya Akademi Award, which he received for An Era of Darkness.
He has also received several other awards and honours during his career for his writing, public service and contribution to international affairs.
Career Highlights
- Former senior United Nations official
- Multiple-term Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram
- Former Minister of State for External Affairs
- Former Minister of State for Human Resource Development
- Internationally recognized author
- Winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award
- Author of The Great Indian Novel and An Era of Darkness
Key Facts About Shashi Tharoor
- Shashi Tharoor is an Indian politician, author and former United Nations diplomat.
- He has represented Thiruvananthapuram in the Lok Sabha for multiple terms.
- Before entering Indian politics, he had a long career at the United Nations.
- He has written numerous books covering Indian history, politics, society and international affairs.
- His book An Era of Darkness discusses the impact of British colonial rule on India.
- He received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his work An Era of Darkness.
- Tharoor is particularly known for his vocabulary, public speaking and distinctive style of communication.
- He has served in the Union Government as Minister of State for External Affairs and later as Minister of State for Human Resource Development.
- His career combines diplomacy, literature and electoral politics.
- He remains one of India’s most recognizable politicians and public intellectuals.
