Raju Narayana Swamy, born on May 24, 1968, is an exceptional Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer known for his fight against corruption and his strong ethical principles. He topped the IAS exam in 1991 and has had a dynamic career, marked by 20 transfers over 22 years. He is also an acclaimed writer with 34 books to his name and a recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award for his contributions to literature.
Early Life and Education
Born in a middle-class family in Ulloor, Thiruvananthapuram, Raju Narayana Swamy was a brilliant student throughout his academic journey. He ranked first in Kerala in the SSLC examination (1983) and also topped the Pre-degree exam in 1985. He earned a B.Tech. in Computer Science from IIT Madras in 1989, where he graduated as the top student. Despite being offered a full scholarship to study at MIT, he chose to join the Civil Services to serve the country.
Career Highlights
Raju Narayana Swamy joined the Kerala Cadre of the IAS in 1991. From the start, he gained a reputation for taking a strong stand against corruption, often at great personal cost. He actively worked to expose illegal land deals, confront influential real estate developers, and challenge corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. His relentless fight against injustice has earned him both admiration and criticism.
Over his 27 years in service, Swamy faced 22 transfers due to his uncompromising attitude. He even had to take leave from his position as managing director of MarketFed due to political interference. However, he remains committed to upholding integrity and justice in his work.
Achievements and Recognition
- Literary Contributions: Author of 34 books and winner of the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award.
- Academic Excellence: Topped exams at every level, including the IAS.
- Awards: Recipient of the Fourth IRDS Award from the Institute for Research and Documentation in Social Sciences (IRDS) for his efforts against corruption.
Despite the challenges, Raju Narayana Swamy continues to inspire many with his dedication to fighting corruption and his unwavering commitment to serving the public. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and ethical values.