Shashi Tharoor has carved a niche for himself in the Indian political arena with his intellectual prowess and eloquence. Born on March 9, 1956, in London, United Kingdom, Tharoor's multifaceted career spans academia, diplomacy, and politics, earning him a reputation as a distinguished statesman and a prominent voice in public discourse. Tharoor's educational background is impressive, with degrees from prestigious institutions such as St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in the United States. He excelled academically, displaying a keen intellect and a flair for languages, which he showcased through his impeccable command over English and his ability to articulate complex ideas with eloquence. Tharoor's career took off in the 1980s when he joined the United Nations and served in various capacities for nearly three decades. He held key positions in peacekeeping and humanitarian affairs, earning accolades for his contributions to resolving conflicts and promoting sustainable development across the globe. In 2009, Tharoor made a foray into Indian politics by contesting and winning a seat in the Lok Sabha, representing the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in the southern state of Kerala. As a member of the Indian National Congress party, Tharoor quickly emerged as a charismatic and articulate leader, captivating audiences with his passionate speeches and thoughtful insights. Tharoor’s standing as a leader within and outside the Congress rose substantially after he managed to punch above his weight in the party’s presidential election in October against Mallikarjun Kharge, who had the support of the powerful All India Congress Committee (AICC) establishment. In Kerala, Tharoor’s move to gain a bigger role in Congress politics in the state is likely to change equations in the party’s state unit, particularly the upper-caste Hindu Nair camp that is now dominated by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, Opposition leader VD Satheesan, former Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, and former party state president K Muraleedharan. Tharoor’s entry is also likely to divide the Nair camp in the party. Congress MP from Kozhikode MK Raghavan and Youth Congress vice-president KS Sabarinadhan have thrown their weight behind Tharoor despite his defeat in the presidential elections. The extended support of K Muraleedharan to Tharoor’s activities is likely to strengthen the party. Tharoor's appeal transcends political lines, and he is widely regarded as a non-conformist within his own party. He has often expressed progressive views on various social and political issues, advocating for liberal policies, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. Tharoor's vocal stance on secularism and his advocacy for a pluralistic society have earned him respect from a wide spectrum of people across the country. In addition to his political career, Tharoor is a prolific author, with numerous critically acclaimed books to his credit. His literary works showcase his intellectual depth and command over a wide range of subjects, including history, politics, and culture. Tharoor's most famous book, "The Great Indian Novel," is a satirical retelling of the Indian epic Mahabharata, cleverly intertwining mythological characters with real-life political figures. His works have received widespread acclaim for their insightful analysis and elegant prose.