Dr. Shashi Tharoor named Patron of Dubai Modern High School

An internationally renowned writer and diplomat, Tharoor was named as a 'Global Leader of Tomorrow' by the World Economic Forum in Davos. India, his home country, has honoured Dr. Tharoor with its highest honour for overseas Indians, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.

'It is a singular honour that a man of Dr. Tharoor's stature and distinction has consented to be Patron of Dubai Modern High School. Dr. Tharoor epitomises what Dubai Modern High School stands for - educational excellence, intellectual diversity and the free exchange of ideas, an awareness of different cultures as well as countries, and the spirit of service,' said Darryl Bloud, Principal, GEMS Dubai Modern High School.

'Dr. Tharoor's ability to influence the decision making process has put him at the forefront of change and development. Under his able stewardship, students of Dubai Modern High School will be further challenged to explore the world as they become socially, culturally, economically and environmentally aware,' added Bloud.

Dr Tharoor has written nine books, including 'The Great Indian Novel' and 'India: From Midnight to the Millennium', as well as numerous articles and literary reviews for a wide range of publications. He is also the recipient of several literary and journalism awards including the 'Commonwealth Writers' Prize'. As Under-Secretary General at the United Nations, he was in charge of Communications and Public Information. In 2006 Dr Tharoor was the official candidate of India to succeed Kofi Annan as Secretary General of the United Nations and he finished second among the seven official candidates.

Part of the GEMS network, Dubai Modern High School has previously been named by the prestigious Sheikh Hamdan Award as the Best School in the UAE. The School is affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certification Examinations (CISCE), New Delhi, India.

Dr. Tharoor's recent visit to the School left students captivated. According to Head Girl Zeba Moopen, Dr. Tharoor's words have convinced them to adopt a global perspective and be the best at what they do, and thus make a positive difference in the global community. In his address, Dr. Tharoor said: 'I am tremendously impressed by what I have seen at Modern - clean and well-maintained facilities, a smart and intelligent student body, and the culture of excellence embracing theatre, sport and scholastics'.

'We are convinced that Dr. Tharoor's association and patronage will remarkably contribute to the developing educational and life process of our students. As a global leader, he will serve as a role model for the children,' concluded Bloud.