Chennai: Former Union Health Secretary Keshav Desiraju passed away at a private hospital in Chennai due to acute coronary syndrome on Sunday. Keshav Desiraju is also the grandson of former President of India Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and his demise on "Teacher's Day", the day celebrated on the remembrance of his grandfather, has shocked his kin. He was 66.
According to reports, Keshav Desiraju held several portfolios in the Government of India. At the time of retirement, he served as Union Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs. He was also a scholar, writer and researcher. The 66-year-old was an advocate of providing importance to mental health in the healthcare system of the country.
The former IAS officer served in advisory boards even after his retirement and helped in improving public health. His last work was a biography on Carnatic singer MS Subbhalakhsmi and he previously co-edited a book Healers or Predators? Healthcare Corruption in India with Samiran Nundy and Sanjay Nagra.
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Several prominent leaders mourned the loss of Keshav Desiraju. MP Jairam Ramesh said, “My dear, dear friend for 57 years, Keshav Desiraju, a most outstanding civil servant, has just passed away. What a tragic irony that he left us on the day the country marks the birthday of his grandfather. Keshav has written the definitive biography of M S Subbalaksmi.”
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot remembered Keshav Desiraju as a distinguished, gentle, and creative thinker. Taking to Twitter, Ashok Gehlot said, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of former union health secretary and member Chief Minister Rajasthan Economic Transformation Advisory Council Shri Keshav Desiraju ji”.
“He was a distinguished, gentle and creative thinker and a person of great eminence. He was also the grandson of Dr S. Radhakrishnan, a great educationist and former President of India, whose birth anniversary is being celebrated as Teachers Day today,” he added.