New Delhi, March 9 -- Seventy years ago, on the ninth day of March, a boy was born who would grow into a man carrying entire libraries in his mind and an uncommon gentleness in his heart. Today, as Dr. Shashi Tharoor turns seventy, the world celebrates a life lived in public brilliance and private grace -- a life that has enlarged the imagination of India and reminded many of us that intellect and kindness need never be adversaries.

Shashi's life has unfolded across continents and callings. Diplomat, parliamentarian, scholar, author, teacher, public voice -- each title fits, but none fully captures the man. What truly distinguishes him is not merely the sweep of his career but the spirit with which he inhabits it: restless curiosity, dis...