Celebrating Shashi Tharoor: A Look at His Life and Political Journey on His 70th Birthday
Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Congress leader and MP, celebrates his 70th birthday today. Known for his eloquence and extensive political career, Tharoor has served in various capacities, including as a minister and a UN official. Born in London, he has made significant contributions to international affairs and has been elected multiple times from Thiruvananthapuram. This article delves into his life, achievements, and the milestones that define his journey in politics. Discover more about this influential figure as we celebrate his special day.
| Mar 9, 2026, 11:03 IST
A Milestone Birthday
Today, March 9, marks the 70th birthday of Shashi Tharoor, a prominent leader and Member of Parliament from the Congress party. Known for his impactful statements, Tharoor has often been in the spotlight. His personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. After a distinguished career at the United Nations, he served as a minister in the Indian government on two occasions. Additionally, he is a celebrated author of both fiction and non-fiction. Let’s explore some intriguing aspects of Shashi Tharoor's life as we celebrate his birthday.
Early Life and Education
Shashi Tharoor was born on March 9, 1956, in London. He completed his education abroad, and it is noteworthy that his command of English is so advanced that many find it challenging to fully grasp his vocabulary without a dictionary. Tharoor has been politically active since his student days.
Political Career
Regarded as an expert in international affairs, Tharoor was nominated by the Indian government for the position of UN Secretary-General in 2006. He dedicated 29 years of service to the United Nations and has contributed extensive articles on complex topics to various Indian and international publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Guardian.
Tharoor has achieved the distinction of being elected as a Congress MP four times. After being elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from Thiruvananthapuram in 2009, he has won three consecutive terms, defeating the candidate from the Communist Party of India by a significant margin. He was re-elected in the 16th Lok Sabha in 2014 and again in the 17th Lok Sabha elections in 2019.
In 2024, Tharoor secured his fourth consecutive victory from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency. He also held the position of Minister of State for External Affairs in the Manmohan Singh government in 2009 and was reappointed as Minister of State for Human Resource Development in 2012.