Kerala Chief Secretary Sharada Muralidharan’s Bold Response to Racist Comments

Sharada Muralidharan, Kerala’s Chief Secretary, has made headlines once again with her powerful response to racist remarks. Addressing the criticism surrounding skin color, she took to Facebook to express her thoughts, emphasizing her fondness for black and elaborating on its significance.

Who is Sharada Muralidharan?

Sharada Muralidharan is a 1990 batch IAS officer currently serving as the Chief Secretary of Kerala. She made history by succeeding her husband, V Venu, in this role—marking the first time in the country’s history that a woman IAS officer has taken over as Chief Secretary from her spouse.

Career Journey

Initially allotted to the Madhya Pradesh cadre after joining the IAS, Sharada later shifted to the Kerala cadre following her marriage to V Venu, a fellow 1990 batch officer. Since then, she has served in various key positions, steadily rising to the top administrative post in the state.

Key Positions Held

With extensive experience in governance, Sharada Muralidharan has held several crucial positions throughout her career. She has played a significant role in women empowerment initiatives and has served in the following capacities:

• Chief Operating Officer – National Rural Livelihood Mission (Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India)

• Joint Secretary – Ministry of Panchayati Raj

• Director General – National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

• Additional Chief Secretary – Local Self Government Department, Kerala

Family Background

Sharada Muralidharan’s husband, V Venu, is a retired IAS officer and former Chief Secretary of Kerala. The couple has two children—while their daughter is a classical dancer, their son is a cartoonist.

By speaking out against racist remarks, Sharada Muralidharan has not only defended herself but also inspired many with her strong stance on inclusivity and self-acceptance.