New Delhi: In a key bureaucratic development, M Bharani Kumaar, a 2013-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Sikkim cadre, has been appointed as the Executive Director (Deputy Secretary Level) of the Tea Board in Coonoor under the Department of Commerce for a tenure of four years.
A Multifaceted Bureaucrat with a Global Academic Profile
Born on October 19, 1986, Bharani Kumaar brings a unique blend of academic excellence and administrative commitment. He holds a B.Tech in Civil Engineering and a Postgraduate degree in Structural Engineering, complemented by a Master’s in Public Administration from the National University of Singapore.
Fluent in English, Hindi, and Tamil, Kumaar is known for his calm demeanor and meticulous work ethic. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as Secretary in the Government of Sikkim.
A Journey Rooted in Compassion and Service
Kumaar’s journey to the civil services is as inspiring as his achievements. A native of Tamil Nadu, he earlier worked as an engineer with Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) in Korba, Chhattisgarh. However, in an act of deep personal sacrifice, he quit his job to take care of his ailing mother, B. Malarvizhi, who was suffering from spinal issues.
His mother, a Chief Manager at SBI, was the first graduate in her family and has remained his lifelong inspiration. “My mother is a very determined person. She not only supported my efforts but made immense sacrifices,” Kumaar once said in an interview.
UPSC Success in Second Attempt
Kumaar cracked the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2012, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 109. It was his second attempt, having missed the Mains cutoff by just five marks the previous year. He had taken Geography and Political Science as his optional subjects and attributed his success to refining his general studies strategy and answer-writing skills.
Advice to Aspirants
To future UPSC aspirants, Bharani Kumaar offers simple yet powerful advice:
“Keep yourself thoroughly updated by reading and gathering additional information from different websites.”
His journey from a corporate job to the civil services exemplifies how determination, humility, and empathy can shape a leader capable of transforming systems.