First Cabinet Secretary of India, Know the Name

The Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant in India, playing a key role in coordinating various ministries and advising the government. This position was established after India gained independence. The first Cabinet Secretary of India was N. R. Pillai, a distinguished civil servant who held the post from 1950 to 1953.

Early Life and Education of N. R. Pillai

Sir Narayanan Raghavan Pillai, popularly known as “Rag,” was born on 24 July 1898 in the Travancore kingdom, now part of Kerala, India. He came from an ancient Nair family of Elenkath in South Travancore, known for its prominence. A descendant of Dewan Nanoo Pillai, Raghavan Pillai received his early education in India, earning a Bachelor of Arts with first-class honours from Madras University in 1918. He went on to study at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he earned first-class honours in both Natural Sciences and Law in the early 1920s.

Career in British India

Raghavan Pillai joined the Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1922, marking the beginning of an illustrious career in administration. He initially worked in the Central Provinces as an assistant commissioner and later held several key roles, including assistant collector of customs in Madras, deputy director of commercial intelligence in Kolkata, and eventually joint secretary in the Commerce Department. He climbed the ranks quickly and served in multiple senior secretarial positions before the independence of India.

First Cabinet Secretary of Independent India

After India gained independence in 1947, Raghavan Pillai was appointed as the first Cabinet Secretary of India in 1950, serving until 1953. This position, created under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, made Pillai the head of the civil services, where he played a vital role in organizing the newly formed government’s administrative machinery. His contributions laid the foundation for the future of civil services in independent India.

Secretary General of the Ministry of External Affairs

Following his tenure as Cabinet Secretary, Raghavan Pillai became the second Secretary General of the Ministry of External Affairs from 1953 to 1959. He succeeded Girija Shankar Bajpai and was instrumental in shaping India’s foreign policy during the crucial years after independence. Pillai’s diplomatic skills and vision significantly influenced India’s position on international platforms.

Ambassador to France

In 1959, Pillai was appointed as India’s Ambassador to France, a role he held until 1961. His diplomatic career in Paris strengthened India-France relations, and he represented India on various economic and commercial fronts in Europe. His contributions earned him recognition, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Travancore in 1953.

Later Life of N. R. Pillai

After retiring from public service, Raghavan Pillai engaged in business, serving as the managing director of two firms in New Delhi before emigrating to the United Kingdom in 1968. He continued to be a voice on international matters and expressed his views on issues like the return of the Koh-i-noor diamond. He passed away in London on 31 March 1992 at the age of 93.

Honors and Recognition to First Cabinet Secretary of India

Throughout his life, Pillai was recognized for his contributions both in India and abroad. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1937 and Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) in 1946. In 1960, the Government of India awarded him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, one of the highest civilian honours. He was also made an honorary fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, in 1970.

Personal Life of N.R. Pillai

Pillai married in 1928 and had two sons. His legacy continues through his family, including his granddaughter Nisha Pillai, a former BBC presenter.