PERSONAL INFORMATION
Real Name: Sanjaya Baru
Profession(s): Political Commentator, Policy Analyst, Writer, Journalist
Famous As: Media Advisor and Official Spokesman to the former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh
Date of Birth: 1954
Age (as in 2019): 65 Years
Birthplace: Hyderabad, India
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Religion: Hinduism
EDUCATION
School: • St. George’s Grammar School, Hyderabad • The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet
College/University: • Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram • Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Educational Qualification(s): • MPhil from the Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram • Ph.D. in economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University • Masters Degree in economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 170 cm in meters – 1.70 m in feet inches – 5’ 7”
Weight (approx.): in kilograms – 75 kg in pounds – 165 lbs
Eye Colour: Light Brown
Hair Colour: Grey
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Wife/Spouse: Rama V. Baru
Children: Son – None Daughter – Tanvika Baru
Parents: Father – B. P. R. Vithal (Secretary of Finance in the Government of India during P.V. Narasimha Rao’s Government) Mother – Seshu Vithal
OTHER INFORMATION
Hobbies: Reading, Writing, Listening To Music
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sanjaya Baru’s career is a rich tapestry of journalism, academia, and strategic advisory roles that have significantly influenced India’s political landscape. Between 1998 and 2001, he served as a member of India’s National Security Advisory Board, contributing to the country’s strategic discourse during a pivotal time. His expertise in geo-economics and strategy later led him to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, where he took on the role of Director. This position enabled him to further delve into global security and economic issues, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in strategic studies.
Before stepping into the spotlight as a media advisor and official spokesperson for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from 2004 to 2008, Baru cultivated his academic credentials. He was a professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations in New Delhi and shared his insights at esteemed institutions such as Chatham House in London, the National Defence College in Delhi, and the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad. His journey into journalism began in earnest in 1990 after interviewing then-Finance Minister Madhu Dandavate, which inspired him to join the Economic Times. This path eventually led him to an eight-year tenure at the Times of India before he spent time at a research institute in Delhi, further enhancing his analytical skills.
In 2010, Baru was recognized for his contributions to society when he received the GITAM Foundation Annual Award during its 30th foundation day celebrations. His business acumen is also reflected in his role as a Non-Executive Independent Director at Wockhardt Limited, where he continues to leverage his extensive experience. However, it was in 2014 that he made headlines with his controversial book, “The Accidental Prime Minister.” The publication stirred significant debate over its portrayal of Manmohan Singh’s tenure and allegations that Sonia Gandhi exercised disproportionate control over the Prime Minister’s office. In the book, Baru not only referred to Robert Vadra as ‘Damadji’ for the first time but also characterized Rajiv Gandhi as a weak Prime Minister, statements that ignited discussions about political authority in the Congress party.
Baru’s influence extended into the film industry when Akshaye Khanna was cast to portray him in the cinematic adaptation of his book, “The Accidental Prime Minister,” which featured Anupam Kher as Manmohan Singh. Furthermore, on September 1, 2017, he assumed the position of Secretary General of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), succeeding A. Didar Singh. His accomplishments did not stop there; in the same year, he took on the role of Additional Independent Director at Artemis Global Life Sciences Limited. Throughout his multifaceted career, Sanjaya Baru has demonstrated a commitment to bridging the worlds of politics, business, and media, leaving an indelible mark on Indian society.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.