Shashi Tharoor’s Birthday Greeting Slip: A Tiny Preposition Error Goes Viral

On September 17, 2026, Congress stalwart Shashi Tharoor posted a warm birthday note for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking the leader’s 76th year of life. The message was heartfelt, wishing the PM health, happiness and continued public service.

Yet, tucked in the middle of the well‑intentioned tweet was a slip most would overlook—Tharoor wrote “in his 76th birthday” instead of the conventional “on his 76th birthday.” A single preposition, but enough to set the internet abuzz.

Within minutes, users on X (formerly Twitter) flagged the phrasing. Some pointed out the difference between a typo and a grammatical misstep; others joked that the error could be the result of a “fat‑finger” or the proximity of the letters “I” and “O” on a keyboard. One tweet humorously remarked, “Shashi ji made a grammar mistake !!! even if it is fat finger !!!” while another mused that even language maestros aren’t immune to occasional slip‑ups.

The reaction was light‑hearted, reflecting both the surprise that someone famed for eloquence could err and the forgiving tone of the platform. A handful of commenters even used the moment to remind everyone that perfection is a myth.

Rather than ignore the chatter, Tharoor hopped back onto the conversation on Friday. He replied to a user, admitting, “Yea ‘on’ his birthday became ‘in’. This happens all the time, alas.” His candid acknowledgment turned the episode into a brief, friendly exchange rather than a controversy.

Why did this modest mistake attract so much attention? Tharoor is celebrated for his command of English—his speeches and writings are peppered with rich vocabulary and flawless grammar. When a politician known for linguistic flair stumbles over a simple preposition, it feels unexpected, prompting the online community to take note.

In the end, the episode serves as a gentle reminder: even the most polished speakers can trip over a word. The conversation quickly faded, but it left behind a few chuckles, a few insights about our collective love for language, and a tiny digital footnote in the story of Narendra Modi’s birthday celebrations.