Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor, born on March 9, 1956, in London, is an Indian politician, author, and former diplomat who is known for his eloquence and intellectual depth. He has been a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala since 2009, as a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). Before entering Indian politics, Tharoor served in the United Nations for nearly 29 years, rising to the position of Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information.

As a politician, Tharoor has focused on issues such as education, foreign policy, governance, and social welfare. He has also been a strong advocate for India’s cultural heritage and economic development. Tharoor has authored several books, both fiction and non-fiction, covering topics ranging from Indian history and politics to global diplomacy and personal reflections. Notable works include The Great Indian Novel, Why I Am a Hindu, and Inglorious Empire, which critiques British colonial rule in India.

In June 2018, BOOM fact-checked a round-up titled "Fake Einstein Letter and Other News You Almost Believed," which highlighted a moment involving Tharoor that was labeled as his "webaqoof moment."

BOOM found out that the incident was part of a broader roundup, which included Times of India publishing a fake story. The fact-check helped clarify the misinformation and contextualize the situation related to Tharoor’s comments.