An enchanting interaction between Shashi Tharoor and a monkey has been making rounds on the social media platforms. Taking to X, the MP shared a series of snaps showing how the primate settled down on his lap and enjoyed some food, ending with giving him a warm hug. This “extraordinary experience” was vividly described by Tharoor which soon became viral.
The MP shared the moment: “Had an extraordinary experience today.”. While I was sitting in the garden, reading my morning newspapers, a monkey wandered in, headed straight for me and parked himself on my lap. He hungrily ate a couple of bananas we offered him, hugged me and proceeded to rest his head on my chest and dozed off. I gingerly got up, he leapt off and loped away.” He uploaded four photographs with this warm story.
The pictures of the monkey peacefully sitting on Tharoor’s lap, peeling a banana and even napping for some time without leaving the MP’s lap.
In a sequel, Tharoor reflected on the experience with a sense of reverence for wildlife: “Reverence for wildlife is ingrained in us, so though I was a bit concerned about the risk of a monkey-bite (which would have necessitated rabies shots), I stayed calm and welcomed his presence as non-threatening. I am gratified that my faith was borne out and our encounter was entirely peaceful and gentle.”
Had an extraordinary experience today. While i was sitting in the garden, reading my morning newspapers, a monkey wandered in, headed straight for me and parked himself on my lap. He hungrily ate a couple of bananas we offered him, hugged me and proceeded to rest his head on my… pic.twitter.com/MdEk2sGFRn
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 4, 2024
Social media users were captivated by the meeting. “How absolutely wonderful!” said one. “That’s really very sweet. One usually hears of more problematic encounters with urban monkeys,” another commented. “That’s an amazing picture. Never seen anything like that,” said a third. “When even the wildlife trusts Dr Shashi Tharoor’s calm demeanor! Magic happens always when Dr Tharoor is around!” shared a fourth.
Shashi Tharoor is an author, politician, and former international diplomat, currently representing the parliamentary constituency of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, in the Lok Sabha. He served as Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Human Resource Development in India. Born in 1956 in London, Tharoor was educated across India and holds a PhD from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.
