In 1997 author Inder Dan Ratnu opened his TV and switched on BBC world. Suddenly, he found on the screen a handsome Indian looking man with very typical eyes delivering a statement. Soon it became clear he was doing so on behalf of UNO and that he was a UN official. Very soon his name -- 'Shashi Tharoor' appeared on the screen along with his designation -- Executive Assistant to the Secretary General. It was first ever introduction of Shashi Tharoor to the author.

It was Shashi's style of speaking English language and his expression power that caught the imagination of the author. The name suggested he 'could' be from India ,though not necessarily as Indians were settled all over the world. But the author decided there and then to send one complimentary copy of his first book "Alternative to Churchill" to Shashi Tharoor on a rough address-- Shashi Tharoor , UN , NewYork. He sent the book and forgot about it as he was not sure it would arrive at the recepient's place. But after 15 days he received a reply from Shashi stating he had reviewed the book and that his review would appear in one of the leading Indian newspapers-Indian Express on 14 September,1997. It was a heartening news for the humble author. He was quite grateful to Shashi for this favor since author didnt ever think it worth review by any one. For author it was also a surprise that Shashi Tharoor was a writer too besides being a top official of UNO.

Back in September 2004 when the author arrived at New York for the first time on his foreign visit he made it a point to inform Shashi Tharoor's office about his being at NY. Soon the author received a message that Shashi was in fact too busy for the time being and he wanted to know how long the author intended to stay at NY and that he himself would contact the author on being free which he did after about six weeks. He invited the author to his office. The author arrived there to a warm personal reception by Shashi Tharoor. Personally for the author it was the greatest moment of his life when he a humble man from India was received with a great touch of affection by one of the leading Indians in the world. Shashi Tharoor personally came out of his office to take him into it. He sent his secretary to receive him at the groundfloor of the grand building and then escort him back at the gate. He also arranged in advance for UN photographer to take the pictures of this meeting. The photos given herein are the ones taken by the UN photographer. Inspite of the fact that the author had been granted only two minutes meeting with Shashi Tharoor the latter did not show any signs of annoyance or haste in winding it up even after 15-20 minutes. Author was absolutely amazed and fascinated by his courtesy , gentlemanship and personality. The author was extremely pleased since no one had ever extended such an honor to him until then. The author feels quite proud of those moments spent with Shashi and those photos with him. The signicance of those immortal moments further heightened as later Shashi Tharoor was the only person of India to have ever been fielded for the highest post in the world -- Secretary General of UNO . The author's meeting with Shashi Tharoor has now become his life time asset in the bank of his memory.