Congress MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor on Monday, June 22, 2026, expressed grief over the passing of Prof Janet, extending his sympathies to her family and loved ones through a post on X. Tharoor directed his condolences to @AV_JASWAL, requesting them to convey his prayers to those closest to the deceased.

Context

In his post, Tharoor wrote: 'Profound condolences on the passing of Prof Janet. @AV_JASWAL please convey my sympathies and prayers to her family and loved ones.' He closed with the Sanskrit phrase Om Shanti — a traditional Hindu invocation of peace for the departed soul — underscoring the personal and spiritual tone of the tribute.

The identity of Prof Janet and her precise affiliation have not been independently confirmed. Official obituaries or institutional statements from universities or academic bodies associated with her are awaited and may provide further detail on her life and contributions.

Policy Backdrop

Indian elected representatives have increasingly used social media platforms to publicly acknowledge the deaths of academics, professionals, and personal contacts. Such posts frequently blend private grief with public expression, often incorporating religious phrases drawn from Hindu, Islamic, or Christian traditions depending on the context.

The use of Om Shanti — a phrase invoking peace in the Hindu tradition — is common across political affiliations in India when paying tribute, reflecting the country's pluralistic approach to public mourning. Tharoor, known for his engagement with literature, academia, and international affairs, has a long record of acknowledging figures from intellectual and professional circles.

Stakeholders and Impact

The condolence message is directed primarily at the bereaved family and close associates of Prof Janet, with @AV_JASWAL identified as the intermediary through whom Tharoor's sympathies are to be conveyed. The academic community to which Prof Janet belonged will likely mourn her passing, though the full scope of her professional legacy remains to be documented through official channels.

Tharoor's public acknowledgement draws attention to Prof Janet's passing, potentially prompting wider tributes from within academic and political circles.

What's Next

Institutional statements, obituaries, or tributes from universities or organisations associated with Prof Janet are expected to shed light on her academic contributions and career. As more details emerge, the broader community of colleagues, students, and peers may respond with their own tributes. For now, Tharoor's message stands as one of the earliest public acknowledgements of her passing.