Dr. Jiji Thomson, IAS (Retd.)
Director, Bharat Bhaavika Foundation
Dr. Jiji Thomson IAS (Retd.) is a highly respected civil servant from the Indian Administrative Service, 1980 batch (Kerala cadre), with an exceptional career spanning over three decades. Known for his integrity, administrative acumen, and visionary leadership, Dr. Thomson has served in some of the most prestigious roles within the Government of Kerala and the Government of India. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Kerala, a Master of Social Sciences in Public Economic Management from the University of Birmingham, UK, and a PhD in Management Sciences from Karunya University, Coimbatore. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Malayalam, his communication skills have greatly enhanced his effectiveness across diverse roles.
Dr. Thomson served as the Chief Secretary of Kerala from January 2015 to February 2016, the highest-ranking position in the state bureaucracy. He was later appointed as Advisor to the Chief Minister with cabinet rank in 2016. Prior to this, he served as Director General of the Sports Authority of India (Additional Secretary equivalent) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs. From 2017 to 2020, he contributed at the national level as an Independent Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited under the Government of India. Over his long tenure, he has held a wide range of senior positions and made impactful contributions to public administration, governance, and youth development.
Beyond his administrative career, Dr. Jiji Thomson is also an accomplished author and cultural contributor. His debut book “Nothing Official” won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2003, earning him critical acclaim. He has since published several other works including “Singing After the Storm” (2020), “Kedukattile Neythiri” (2022), and “Nothing Personal” (2022), blending his deep understanding of public life with literary finesse. His thoughtful narratives and memoirs reflect a lifetime of service, observation, and introspection.
Dr. Thomson has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Best District Collector Award in 1990 and the National Savings Award in 1989. His career exemplifies dedication to public service, intellectual depth, and an unwavering commitment to ethical governance. Today, he continues to inspire through both his leadership and literary contributions.

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