Arun Shourie is among India’s best known commentators on current and political affairs. Born in Jalandhar, Punjab (1941), he studied at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi and then obtained his doctorate in Economics from Syracuse University, USA. Among other portfolios, he held the office of the Minister of Disinvestment, Communications... Read more
Arun Shourie is among India’s best known commentators on current and political affairs. Born in Jalandhar, Punjab (1941), he studied at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi and then obtained his doctorate in Economics from Syracuse University, USA. Among other portfolios, he held the office of the Minister of Disinvestment, Communications and Information Technology in Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet. He was acclaimed as a “Star of Asia” by Business Week in 2002, as “The Business Leader of the Year” by The Economic Times jury for his pioneering and dogged work on privatization.
In a poll of Indian CEOs, he was acclaimed as “The Most-outstanding Minister” of Mr. Vajpayee’s Government in early 2004. He is the recepient of numerous national and international awards, including the Magsaysay Award and one of India’s highest civilian awards, the Padma Bhushan. He has been an economist with the World Bank, and Editor of the Indian Express.
Arun Shourie is widely regarded as the initiator of Investigative Journalism in India. The International Press Institute, Vienna, acclaimed him as one of 50 “World Press Freedom Heroes” whose work has sustained freedom of the press in the last half-century. He has written 26 books on a variety of topics ranging from constitutional law, modern Indian history, religious fundamentalism, governance in India, to national security. His 26th book, Does He Know a Mother’s Heart? How suffering refutes religions, was published by HarperCollins in 2011.
It examines explanations for suffering in the basic religious texts; shows how they do not stand scrutiny; and why his own experience in serving his spastic child for 35 years has led him to the Buddha’s teaching. New editions of five of his books have been released by HarperCollins in the last year. The enlarged and updated edition of his book on India’s China policies, Self-Deception, was released in October 2013. He is the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Indian Statistical Institute, the leading institution in its field in India.
A new book by Arun Shourie takes a cue from major religions, philosophy, and spiritual train of thought to help people face their end with equanimity. The book, aptly titled Preparing For Death, is studded with insights, novel interpretations, practical suggestions and ways to attain “peaceful dissolution of our minds” at the moment of dying. It will hit the stands this month, announced publishing house Penguin Random House India.
“Death is a perennially current subject! And given the current circumstances — a million having died from Covid-19 in just ten months — it is currently a very current subject. There are facts in the book which most of us would not know about.
You can book Arun Shourie through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Arun's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Arun Shourie's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Arun tailored to your event.
Arun Shourie speaks on Asia, Economics & Finance, Emerging Markets, Government & Politics. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Arun to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Arun Shourie for events worldwide, subject to Arun's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Arun Shourie is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Arun can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Arun Shourie on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Arun can offer.
Arun Shourie delivers keynotes in English. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Arun Shourie's areas of expertise include Asia, Economics & Finance, Emerging Markets, Government & Politics. To get a clear sense of Arun's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Arun Shourie can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Asia, Economics & Finance, Emerging Markets, Government & Politics is relevant. Details of Arun's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Arun Shourie is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Arun Shourie, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Arun's current availability for your dates.