Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant administrative and political development, former Chief Secretary of Kerala, K Jayakumar (Retd IAS: 1978: KL), has been selected as the new President of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
The decision was finalised on Friday following consultations between Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is currently abroad. The official order will be issued after the Chief Minister’s return on Saturday.
According to sources, five candidates were shortlisted during the final round of discussions at the CPM State Secretariat, with Jayakumar emerging as the unanimous choice of the leadership. Minister Vasavan had reportedly recommended another candidate, but the party backed the Chief Minister’s preference, citing Jayakumar’s vast administrative experience and familiarity with Sabarimala affairs.
A Strategic Move to Restore Credibility at Sabarimala
Jayakumar’s appointment comes at a time when the Travancore Devaswom Board has been under scrutiny due to ongoing controversies — including the recent gold theft case from the Sabarimala shrine.
The CPM’s leadership views his appointment as a strategic step to restore credibility, ensure smooth pilgrimage management, and pacify both devotees and the judiciary, which has been closely monitoring Sabarimala-related developments.
Jayakumar has previously served as Devaswom Secretary, Chief Devaswom Commissioner, and Chairman of the High Court-appointed committee on Sabarimala, successfully overseeing two Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage seasons.
Replaces Incumbent President P.S. Prasanth
Earlier, the state government had considered extending the term of incumbent TDB President P.S. Prasanth, but the plan was dropped after the Kerala High Court’s criticism of the current board’s functioning.
Along with Prasanth, member A. Ajikumar’s term will also end on November 12. The CPI is expected to nominate Vilappil Radhakrishnan as his replacement, while P.D. Santhosh Kumar, a CPM leader, will continue his tenure till 2027.
Jayakumar’s Reaction: “Will Ensure No New Controversy Emerges”
Reacting to the news, Jayakumar said he had not yet received formal communication but would “happily accept the role” if offered.
“Since it’s an area I’m familiar with, I hope I’ll be able to perform effectively. Controversies should not be mixed up with the pilgrimage per se,” he told The New Indian Express.
Currently, Jayakumar serves as the Director of the Institute of Management in Government (IMG), Kerala.
About K. Jayakumar
Birth & Background: Born on October 6, 1952, in Thiruvananthapuram, to noted scholar M. Krishnan Nair and Sulochana Devi.
Civil Service Career: Joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1978, serving in multiple senior roles including Chief Secretary, Kerala Government.
Literary Achievements: A celebrated poet, lyricist, translator, and scriptwriter, Jayakumar has authored over 47 books, including acclaimed translations of Tagore’s Gitanjali and Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet.
Awards: Recipient of several honors, including the Central Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Academy Award, and the Asan Poetry Prize.
Significance of the Appointment
Jayakumar’s elevation is widely seen as a calculated political and administrative decision aimed at ensuring stability in the management of Sabarimala, one of South India’s most sensitive pilgrimage centers.
His deep understanding of the temple’s functioning and his reputation for integrity make him a consensus choice capable of navigating both bureaucratic and religious complexities.
