Arun Shourie
Arun Shourie, born in Jalandhar, Punjab, in 1941, is a prominent figure in Indian journalism, economics, and politics. He pursued his education at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi and earned a doctorate in Economics from Syracuse University, USA.
Arun Shourie commenced his professional journey as an economist at the World Bank in 1967, contributing significantly to economic research and policy analysis
Shourie’s entry into journalism marked a pivotal moment in his career. He played a crucial role in initiating investigative journalism in India. His stint at the Indian Express, where he served as the executive editor, provided a platform for fearless reporting. Despite facing government censorship during the national emergency in 1975, Shourie continued to champion civil liberties through his writings.
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Transitioning to politics, Shourie became a nominated Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and held the position of the Minister of Disinvestment, Communications, and Information Technology in Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet. He received acclaim as a “Star of Asia” and “The Business Leader of the Year” for his pioneering work on privatization.
Arun Shourie’s contributions have earned him numerous national and international awards. He was honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1982 for his fearless journalism, addressing corruption, inequality, and injustice. The Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, also recognizes his exceptional contributions.
Widely regarded as the initiator of investigative journalism in India, Shourie’s impactful articles have sustained freedom of the press. The International Press Institute in Vienna acknowledged him as one of the “World Press Freedom Heroes.”
A prolific writer, Shourie has penned 26 books covering diverse topics, including constitutional law, modern Indian history, religious fundamentalism, governance, and national security. His 26th book, Does He Know a Mother’s Heart? How Suffering Refutes Religions (2011), reflects on the theme of suffering in religious texts and his personal experiences.
In his latest work, Preparing For Death, Shourie draws from major religions, philosophy, and spiritual thought to guide individuals in facing death with equanimity. The book offers insights, novel interpretations, practical suggestions, and ways to achieve a “peaceful dissolution of our minds” at the moment of dying.
Arun Shourie serves as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Indian Statistical Institute, showcasing his commitment to academic and statistical excellence.
Arun Shourie stands as a multifaceted intellectual, leaving an indelible mark in economics, journalism, and politics. His fearless pursuit of truth, commitment to civil liberties, and significant contributions to literature have solidified his legacy as a stalwart in India’s intellectual landscape.
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