Shashi Tharoor’s candidature for UN Secretary General isn’t a surprise, though it took awhile for Indian Govt. to announce it. Shashi Tharoor is a prolific writer turned quintessential international civil servant cum diplomat, who presently serves as an under-secretary general to the UN.
Shashi’s nomination comes at a time when it’s supposed to be the turn for a candidate from Asia to head the UN from next year, the last being U Thant from erstwhile Burma (now Myanmar) in the sixties. To be sure, Shashi has formidable company as contenders for the top post, not to mention names like Tony Blair and Bill Clinton floating around. There also was a talk of BJP’s Jaswant Singh to be nominated by India, but that has not occurred.
I happened to listen to Shashi Tharoor being interviewed on Times Now couple of days back. He comes across as an authority on world affairs having solid grasp of how the UN must function. His is an embodiment of subtle talent, sincerity and a charming persona, who has that rare ability of always remaining abreast of priorities from amongst complex issues plaguing the world body.
The UN is perhaps the only international body where the deprived and less-developed nations are heard and one is sure that Shashi Tharoor will be an effective bridge between them and the developed nations.
Apart from his wholesome skill, knowledge, dexterity and capacity to be the right person to head the UN, I’ve another reason to hail his candidacy. Shashi spent a better part of his student days in Kolkata, and it is a matter of great pride for Kolkata’s St. Xavier’s School that yet another of its alumni has risen to such a glorious height.
I wish Shashi Tharoor all the success. For discerning readers, here’s the link to UNSG selection.
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