Parliamentarian and author, Shashi Tharoor’s latest book Ambedkar: A Life was launched at the Kitaab Kolkata event organized by Prabha Khaitan Foundation (PKF) at the ITC Sonar presented by Shree Cement.

The event was attended by bibliophiles, members of Ehsaas Women, and FICCI FLO. Suhel Seth, management consultant, author, columnist, and public speaker, was in an hour-long conversation with the author.

Although Shashi Tharoor’s painstakingly researched biography of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is neither the first nor the last, it offers a fresh viewpoint on one of India’s most adored icons and an intellectual powerhouse. Dr. Ambedkar’s grandeur “cannot be reduced to any one of (his) accomplishments, because all were equally outstanding,” in Tharoor’s own words.

In addition to sharing in-depth insights and anecdotal references into Ambedkar’s multifaceted personality and life’s turning points, Tharoor lucidly presents a panoramic view of his illustrious life. These turning points include historical choices, social stigmas and ostracism, political leanings, never-ending struggles, and of course his strong personality that enabled him to stand up for the causes he supported, including his brutally honest and scathing views about Gandhi ji.

Madhuri Halwasiya, Ehsaas Women of Lucknow, introduced the author and conversationalist to the audience and Suhel Seth set the pace of the discussions stating reasons why one should read Tharoor’s book.

Shashi Tharoor said “The book is not long. It only has 200 pages. Nobody would read any of those in-depth bios, especially in today’s Tik Tok or Whatsapp generation. I decided it would be best to compose something concise and user-friendly for today’s youth”.

On questioning, Why Ambedkar and why now?, he said “You understand that there is probably no other Indian who has more sculptures of him all around the nation. Gandhi could have a little bit more. However, Ambedkar statues or busts can be seen in any Indian village. He is arguably the most revered Indian in these conditions. He is also someone whose prominence has increased since his passing, which is not the case for many other notable personalities of the past”.

Ambedkar: A Life will make for an engaging read. Grab your copy now!!

Priyanka Dutta