First Foreign Secretary of India, Know His Name

Kumara Padmanabha Sivasankara Menon, widely known as K. P. S. Menon, was a distinguished diplomat and member of the Indian Civil Service (ICS). Born on 18 October 1898 in Kottayam, Travancore (now Kerala), he played a pivotal role in shaping independent India’s foreign policy. Menon became India’s first Foreign Secretary and served as Ambassador to several countries, significantly contributing to India’s international presence. His public service and diplomatic career earned him national and international recognition, including the Padma Bhushan and the Lenin Peace Prize.

Early Life and Education of K.P.S. Menon

K. P. S. Menon was born into a prestigious family in Travancore. His father, Kumara Menon, was a lawyer, and his mother, Janaki Amma, belonged to an aristocratic family from Thiruvananthapuram. Menon pursued his early education at Madras Christian College before attending the University of Oxford. At Oxford, he was an active member of the Asiatic Society and served as president of the Oxford Majlis Asian Society, which honed his leadership skills. He was also admitted to the Middle Temple in 1918 but chose not to pursue a legal career, instead focusing on civil service.

Public Service Career of K.P.S. Menon

In 1922, K. P. S. Menon topped the Civil Services Examination and joined the prestigious Indian Civil Service. He served in various capacities, including Sub-Collector of Tirupattur and District Magistrate of Trichy. He also held key positions in the North West Frontier Province, Baluchistan, and Ceylon. His expertise and dedication led to his appointment as Dewan (Prime Minister) of Bharatpur State, where he was honored with the Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) in 1943.

First Foreign Secretary of India

In 1948, following India’s independence, K. P. S. Menon became the nation’s first Foreign Secretary, a position he held until 1952. As Foreign Secretary, he was responsible for shaping India’s foreign relations during a crucial period of transition. He represented India at various international platforms, including the formation of the United Nations, and was instrumental in building diplomatic ties with key nations. His role as Chairman of the UN Commission on Korea (UNCOK) during the Korean conflict further cemented his international reputation.

Diplomatic Roles and Later Career

After his tenure as Foreign Secretary, Menon continued to serve India as Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1952 to 1961. He was the last diplomat to meet Joseph Stalin in person before Stalin’s death in 1953. His tenure in the Soviet Union was marked by efforts to strengthen Indo-Soviet relations. Menon also served as India’s Ambassador to Hungary and Poland, playing a key role in fostering diplomatic ties. After retiring from active diplomacy, he became a member and later Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Personal Life and Legacy of K.P.S. Menon

K. P. S. Menon married Saraswathi, the daughter of C. Sankaran Nair, a prominent nationalist leader. Their son, also named K. P. S. Menon, followed in his father’s footsteps and served as India’s envoy to China. Menon’s grandson, Shivshankar Menon, later became India’s Foreign Secretary and National Security Advisor. K. P. S. Menon passed away on 22 November 1982 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of diplomatic excellence and public service.

Honors and Publications

Menon’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 1958 and the Lenin Peace Prize. He was also a prolific writer, publishing several works, including his travel diary Delhi-Chungking, and his autobiographies Many Worlds and Many Worlds Revisited. His writings provide insights into his extensive diplomatic career and the political landscape of his time.