The `Íncredible' Venu, who is an avid traveller, drama artiste

Thiruvananthapuram: Dr. V. Venu, known for his ever-pleasant smile and humility, becomes the Chief Secretary of the State. However, an unexpected turn of events awaits as he will step down from his position in August next year, making way for Sharada Muralidharan, Dr. Venu’s wife and the current Additional Chief Secretary of the Local Government Department. Sharada, who entered IAS alongside Venu, will assume the role of Chief Secretary upon his retirement.

Dr. Venu was born in ‘Chaitanya’, Nadakkavu. Both his mother and father hail from Kuttanad. His daughter, Kalyani, is a dancer, while his son, Sabari, is a cartoonist and painter.

In 1987, when he started a clinic named ‘Mercy’ in Mukkam it was generally thought that like his mother Dr. P.T. Rajamma, her son, would also become a doctor. However, his plans were different.

In 1988, he secured the 100th rank in his first attempt at the civil services examination. Despite the opportunity to join the Indian Police Service (IPS), he chose the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) and commenced his career in customs. Through diligent study during his holidays, he achieved the 26th rank in the subsequent attempt. His wife Sharada also joined the civil services in the same year.

Adding a touch of drama to his life, Dr. Venu has actively participated in around fifty plays, influenced by his cousin Kavalam Narayana Panicker. The International Theatre Festival of Kerala is a result of Venu’s efforts.

An avid traveller and writer, Dr. Venu recently shared a triumphant photo on Facebook, capturing his moment in Varkala after cycling approximately 100 kilometres. This remarkable feat came in after overcoming the injuries sustained in a car accident in Mavelikkara while travelling with his family. Dr. Venu is the one who coined the slogan "Incredible India," which became the tagline for Indian tourism during his tenure as the Director of Tourism at the Centre.

Dr. Venu's accomplishments include playing a crucial role in positioning Kerala as a strong competitor in the global tourism market. He prepared the project report for NORKA and subsequently led its implementation. Following the Kerala floods, Dr. Venu took charge of the Rebuild Kerala Mission for the state's reconstruction. However, he briefly stepped aside from prominent positions due to openly expressing his differences of opinion.

Throughout his career, Dr. Venu has held various roles, including Deputy Secretary of Central Tourism, Joint Secretary of the Cultural Department, and Head of the Delhi National Museum. During his tenure, the National Museum underwent renovations, and numerous new galleries were opened. He also served as the Vice Chancellor of the National Museum Institute.