The Kerala government has appointed 2019-batch IAS officer Sreedhanya Suresh as the District Collector of Kasaragod, making her the first person from a Scheduled Tribe community in the state to head a district administration. 

Suresh, who previously served as Kerala's Food Safety Commissioner, takes charge as part of a major administrative reshuffle. She replaces Arjun Pandyan, who has been appointed Director of Agriculture Development and Farmers' Welfare.

From humble beginnings to the IAS

Sreedhanya Suresh belongs to the Kurichiya tribal community in Wayanad. She grew up with her two siblings in an unfinished house at the Ambalakkolly settlement near Pozhuthana, amid financial difficulties.

Her father worked as a daily wage labourer, while her mother worked under the national rural employment guarantee scheme.

Suresh completed her schooling at Malayalam-medium state schools in Thariyode. She went on to earn a degree in Zoology from St Joseph's College, Kozhikode, followed by a postgraduate degree in Applied Zoology from the University of Calicut.

After completing her studies, she worked on a contract basis with the state development department for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

From civil services preparation to administration

Determined to enter public service, Suresh underwent training at a state-run facility for tribal students. She secured the 410th rank in the 2019 Civil Services Examination and was subsequently inducted into the IAS.

Her achievement drew congratulations from prominent political leaders, who said her success would inspire future generations. Suresh dedicated the milestone to her family and tribal students across the country.

Her appointment as Kasaragod District Collector now marks another significant step in her public service career.

Kurichiya community's historical legacy

Suresh's elevation also brings attention to the history of the Kurichiya community, a matrilineal agrarian tribal group mainly found in Wayanad and neighbouring areas.

The community is known for its traditional joint family system and its history of hunting and archery. Kurichiya warriors also played a notable role in regional defence.

They formed an important part of the army of Pazhassi Raja, who fought British forces in the Wayanad hills.

Suresh's appointment places a member of the community at the head of a district administration in Kerala for the first time.