Shashi Tharoor

Is an Indian politician and has been twice elected Member of Parliament (LokSabha) from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He was previously Minister of State in the Government of India for External Affairs (2009–2010) and Human Resource Development (2012–2014).

Tharoor is also a well-known award-winning writer, having authored 14 bestselling works of fiction and non-fiction since 1985, all of which are centered on India and its history, culture, film, politics, society, foreign policy, and more. He is also the author of hundreds of columns and articles in publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, TIME, Newsweek, and The Times of India. He also served for 2 years as Contributing Editor for Newsweek International From 2010–2012 he authored a column in The Asian Age/Deccan Chronicle and for most of 2012, till his appointment as Minister, a column in Mail Today; he also writes an internationally syndicated monthly column for Project Syndicate. He has, in the past, authored columns regularly for the Indian Express (1991–93 and 1996–2001), The Hindu (2001–2008), and The Times of India (2007–2009).

Tharoor is also a globally-recognized speaker on India's economics and politics, as well as on freedom of the press, human rights, Indian culture, and international affairs.