“Shashi Tharoor Braces Cold to Attend PM Modi’s Speech, Hails Address on India’s Progress and Heritage”

In a detailed post on X, Tharoor highlighted key points of Modi’s speech, expressing gratitude for being present despite his illness. “I am glad to have been in the audience despite battling a bad cold and cough,” Tharoor wrote.

He noted that a significant portion of the address focused on overturning Macaulay’s 200-year legacy of ‘slave mentality’. PM Modi called for a 10-year national mission aimed at restoring pride in India’s heritage, languages, and knowledge systems. Tharoor quoted the PM’s appeal: “Over the next decade, we must resolve to free ourselves from the mindset of slavery that Macaulay imposed on India. The coming 10 years are extremely important.”

Tharoor also lauded PM Modi’s emphasis on India as an emerging model for the world, highlighting the country’s economic resilience and global relevance. The Congress MP referenced Modi’s remarks on being accused of always being in “election mode,” while emphasizing that the PM was actually in “emotional mode” to address citizens’ concerns.

The speech came shortly after the NDA’s landslide victory in the Bihar elections, where the ruling alliance won 202 out of 243 Assembly constituencies, while the Congress secured just six of the 61 seats it contested. Despite the electoral setback for his party, Tharoor chose to acknowledge Modi’s energy and dynamism, describing it as an asset for India that merits recognition.

Tharoor’s praise is notable given the internal tensions within the Congress, where he has often faced criticism for publicly appreciating Modi or government initiatives. Earlier this year, he was selected to lead the Operation Sindoor delegation abroad, a decision that caused friction within his party, yet he again commended the PM upon returning.

With his recent remarks, Tharoor has reaffirmed his independent approach, acknowledging contributions from across party lines while advocating for India’s progress and heritage revival.