Shashi Tharoor ready for new innings

Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoorbeing received by Congress party workers at the Thiruvananthapuram airport on Monday. Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar

Newly inducted Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor has said that he is putting controversies of the recent years behind him.

“Those were difficult times. My wounds have healed. I hope yours too have,” Mr. Tharoor, who arrived to a rousing reception at the airport in Thiruvananthapuram Monday afternoon, told reporters.

His aim

His effort from now on will be to work for the State and the country and the people, particularly the youth.

“Many things can be done in the HRD Ministry for the youth. They are India’s future. I am putting all the controversies behind me and I am confident that I will be able to do something for them. I will be getting in touch with all the Ministers at the Centre to solve our big and small problems,” Mr. Tharoor said, adding that though he had travelled to all four corners of the world, he was overwhelmed by the love and affection he received in Kerala. The Minister said he was grateful to the Prime Minister and Congress president Sonia Gandhi for the faith they had bestowed on him.

Hundreds of Congress workers and well-wishers were present at the airport to receive Mr. Tharoor and he had a tough time making his way through the doting crowd.