Shashi Tharoor at a talk in Calcutta last year

When India turned 50, he wrote India — From Midnight to the Millennium and Beyond. This weekend, Shashi Tharoor will be in town to discuss that “beyond”. And more.

Titled “India in the 21st century”, the talk will see the former diplomat, MP and author speak at ITC Sonar Calcutta on Saturday, 6pm, on the opportunities and challenges for the country today. The event is being organised by Round Table, in association with Chandran Tharoor Foundation and The Telegraph. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session.

“Shashi Tharoor is an erudite man with experience in international affairs, politics, writing, philanthropy and much more. And he’s an orator. He was an obvious choice for this event because people love to hear him,” said Vishnu Sureka of Round Table, a non-political organisation of young men that aims to promote “service, fellowship and goodwill in national and international affairs”. The women’s wing is called Ladies Circle.

The proceeds from the sale of passes will go towards Round Table’s programmes for underprivileged children.

For passes, dial 9830041220 or 9831603880 or log on to www.bookmyshow.com.