From Calicut’s rain to ‘God’s Own Country’: Keralam’s former Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar looks back on a life of service
K. Jayakumar, former Chief Secretary of Kerala, reflects on a life of service in a special interview marking the 3rd anniversary of UPSC Essentials magazine. His journey began in 1980 as a Sub-Collector in Calicut (Kozhikode), where he experienced the rain and the importance of serving the people. Jayakumar emphasizes that public service is about values, not power, status, or authority.
He discusses the changing role of the civil services, driven by liberalization and privatization, and the need for civil servants to adapt their skills and attitudes. While social media offers opportunities, Jayakumar cautions that civil servants must use it responsibly, within their institutional framework and without personal glorification.
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