JLF Diaries - Steaming session of Shashi Tharoor

When Shashi Tharoor speaks, the world listens. Such is the magnetism in his voice. And when life gives you one of those chances to listen to the India’s most charismatic politician up and close, you definitely don’t miss it !

Hailed as one of the brightest speakers and author of many bestsellers, Shashi Tharoor was at the coveted Jaipur Literature Festival this Sunday. Other Sundays I would nap off in my cozy bed, but not today. The stage was perfect, and so was the mood. And oh the topic ~ “Andhakar Kaal: Colonialism and its After Effects”, setting the things just right.
I took the best seat in the lawn, the front row on the ground.

The session began with unveiling of the book ‘Andhakar Kaal: Colonialism and its After Effects’ with Rukshmani Kumari, member of Royal Family of Chomu, and a social activist.

The session witnessed a jam-packed audience listening to Tharoor’s striking ideologies and poignant thoughts on India’s and world’s history, and astonished the audience with some lessor known things about the British. Speaking at the session, Tharoor said “Hinduism cannot be left to Hindutva but the current government seeks uniformity and not "unity in diversity ". Hailing thinkers like Swami Vivekananda, he said, "We can be rigid followers of any religion while at home but in public we need to be balanced".

When Saurabh Dwivedi asked Shashi Tharoor on why he is against Hindi and why he is against to promote it as a national language, He smiled and politely defended his stance ‘I am not against Hindi, I am just suggesting not to include Hindi as national language” He further explained with reasons – If someone must give a speech in UN, and they use Hindi it won’t be effective as the audience is different.
Keeping one language that comforts Shukla and Sharma but not Subramaniam would not be a great idea keeping in mind India’s diversity. Crowd cheered for Shashi’s one liners, quite often appraising his knowledge, wisdom and incomparable wit.

Saurabh Dwivedi controlled the session quite beautifully and amidst his tantrums, he threw some tough questions to Shashi Tharoor. He asked Shashi if he is using Hindi to win election in 2019? To which Shashi appropriately responded “No, we have unemployment, economy and similar bigger issues to question the opposition”.

Shashi Tharoor smartly answered the moderator’s questions, being politically correct always. Saurabh praised Shashi and said that A good writer is one who is not afraid to ask questions to big people, Shashi Tharoor being among them!
During discussion, topics from multiple spheres were taken up and discussed on a serious as well as light note. Thoughts on bringing back Kohinoor, Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, Brexit, and more were shared.

Shashi Tharoor is that person that talks sharp, writes smart, is always witty, fearless, and wise. Such charismatic politicians are a rare breed and he inspires today’s youth in ways more than one. Session ended but I sat there, still mesmerized, still thinking.
India needs more of such politicians, I believe, strongly.

Day 4 of JLF, Bank of Baroda Lawns, sunny, and stunning. That’s how I will summarize this session.