In a first in Kerala, outgoing chief secretary Dr V Venu handed over charge to his wife Sarada Muraleedharan.
Published Sep 03, 2024 | 9:33 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 03, 2024 | 9:33 AM
Kerala witnessed a historic transition in its top bureaucratic ranks as Sarada G. Muraleedharan, a 1990-batch IAS officer, succeeded her husband Dr V Venu as the chief secretary.
Kerala witnessed a historic transition in its top bureaucratic rank as Sarada Muraleedharan, an IAS officer from the 1990 batch, succeeded her husband Dr V Venu as the state’s chief secretary.
The succession highlighted their accomplishments and the dynamic partnership that excelled in their careers while dedicating themselves to serving the public.
Her leadership in various sectors marks Sarada Muraleedharan’s illustrious career. She has consistently championed transformative initiatives that have left a lasting impact on public administration and community development.
From 2006 to 2012, she led the Kudumbashree Mission, one of the largest women’s empowerment projects in India, aimed at poverty eradication and women’s empowerment through community-based interventions. Her innovative approach significantly boosted the mission’s outreach and effectiveness, setting a benchmark for similar programmes nationwide.
After her stint in Kudumbashree, Sarada served as the chief operating officer of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, until December 2013. Her efforts focused on enhancing rural incomes through sustainable livelihood practices, directly affecting millions of households.
Between 2014 and 2016, she was a joint secretary in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, where she was instrumental in conceptualising the Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP). Her vision emphasised citizen participation in local governance through gram sabha, ensuring that community voices were heard and acted upon.
Sarada also brought her strategic foresight to the field of education and design during her time as the director general of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). She restructured the curriculum and anchored several strategic projects, including India’s first sizing survey, trend research, and design incubation, which left a lasting impact on the fashion and textile sectors.
Throughout her career, Sarada has held numerous other significant positions, including district collector of Thiruvananthapuram, director of Scheduled Caste Development, Commissioner of Rural Development, and secretary to the Government in the Cultural Affairs and Social Welfare departments of Kerala. Her comprehensive experience reflected her versatility and commitment to public service.
Dr V Venu, also a 1990-batch IAS officer, completed his tenure as the chief secretary of Kerala on 31 August 2024. His journey through the administrative landscape has been marked by a blend of compassion, efficiency, and a deep connection to Kerala’s cultural roots.
Venu’s early life in Kozhikode, a city steeped in art and theatre, greatly influenced his outlook on life and governance. His active involvement in theatre during his youth reflects his enduring passion for the arts, a trait that often distinguished his approach to administration. He pursued his education at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kozhikode, Malabar Christian College, and Kozhikode Medical College, where he completed his MBBS before joining the civil services.
Known for his humility and preference for signing official documents in Malayalam, Dr Venu began his administrative career as the assistant collector of Thrissur. Over the years, he held key positions, including that of additional chief secretary of Home and Vigilance, managing director of Kannur International Airport Company (KIAL), and principal secretary of the Revenue Department.
Dr Venu’s contributions to the cultural sphere were further highlighted during his tenure as joint secretary in the Union Ministry of Culture, where his initiatives helped promote and preserve India’s rich cultural heritage. His leadership in various government departments, from excise to food and civil supplies, showcased his versatility and adeptness at handling diverse portfolios.
Together, Sarada and Venu represent an inspiring story of a couple dedicated to public service, each leaving an indelible mark on Kerala’s governance. Their succession in the highest bureaucratic office in the state is not just a personal milestone but also a testament to their individual and collective commitment to the betterment of society.
Their family life is rooted in shared values and mutual respect, evident in the successful careers they have built alongside raising their two children, Kalyani and Sabari.
For the first time in India (at least as far as anyone can remember!), Kerala’s outgoing ChiefSecretary, Dr V, Venu, handed over the CS’s post to his wife, Sarada Murlidharan, at a formal handover ceremony at the secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. Both are IAS officers of the… pic.twitter.com/E0nZmDDIWi
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 1, 2024
The historic transition of the chief secretary’s office from Dr Venu to Sarada Muraleedharan is a proud moment for Kerala, symbolising progress and the breaking of conventional norms. Their story is one of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in public service—a legacy that will inspire generations of future leaders.
As Sarada takes the helm, she carries forward not just the responsibilities of the office but also the spirit of service that she and her husband have embodied throughout their distinguished careers.
Incidentally, Karnataka has seen such couples at the helm twice. The first was when Teresa Bhattacharya took over from her husband BK Bhattacharya on 1 January 2000. The second ‘power couple’ was Rajneesh Goel and Shalini Rajneesh. Shalini, who took charge on 1 August 2024, is currently the chief secretary of Karnataka.
In Nagaland, Banuo Z Jamir succeeded her husband Alemtemshi Jamir as the chief secretary in February 2014.
(Edited by Majnu Babu)
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