THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan expressed deep condolences on the passing of former Additional Chief Secretary P.H. Kurian IAS, remembering him as an outstanding administrator who demonstrated how public power should be used for the welfare of the common man.
Born into an ordinary farming family in Kottayam, Kurian completed his master’s degree in Chemistry and was pursuing scientific research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, before joining the Civil Services. A 1986-batch officer, he initially served in the Orissa cadre before taking up key administrative roles in Kerala as Sub-Collector in Palakkad and Pala, and later as District Collector in Kottayam and Idukki.
V.D. Satheesan highlighted Kurian’s pivotal role during the Oommen Chandy government, where he drove major developmental strides while heading the IT, Industry, and Revenue departments. As IT Secretary, he laid the foundation for key technological shifts and infrastructure advancements in Kerala. Furthermore, his decisive interventions as the India’s Controller General of Patents significantly brought down the cost of crucial cancer medicines.
Kurian’s administrative skills were on full display during the catastrophic 2018 Kerala floods, where as Revenue and Disaster Management Secretary, he spearheaded and coordinated the state’s massive relief and rescue operations. He was also entrusted with identifying land at Cheruvally Estate for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield Airport.
​”Even while occupying top administrative positions, he maintained warm personal relationships. His passing is an irreparable loss to Kerala,” Satheesan said, extending his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family, friends, and colleagues.
