Kerala, a state rich in culture, history, and political significance, has seen a succession of distinguished individuals serving as Governors. The position of Governor holds paramount importance in the state’s administrative framework, representing the link between the central government and the state government. Here is a comprehensive list of former Governors who have contributed to the governance and development of Kerala.
On November 22, 1956, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao assumed office as the inaugural Governor of Kerala in independent India. Following him, V V Giri succeeded, marking the beginning of a lineage of 18 Governors in Kerala. Notable figures like former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and former Supreme Court judge P Sathasivam have also served in this position. Arif Mohammad Khan assumed the role of Kerala Governor on September 6, 2019.
Burgula Ramakrishna Rao assumed the role of the inaugural Governor of Kerala in independent India, marking a significant moment in the state’s governance. His appointment on November 22, 1956, laid the foundation for the subsequent line of governors who would serve in Kerala.
Arif Mohammad Khan took office as the current Governor of Kerala on September 6, 2019, playing a pivotal role in the state’s governance. His tenure has seen significant developments and initiatives aimed at the welfare and progress of Kerala. As of now, he continues to hold the esteemed position of Governor in the state.
Kerala, a state rich in culture, history, and political significance, has seen a succession of distinguished individuals serving as Governors.
Here is the complete list of former Governors of Kerala from 1956 to 2024:
| Former Governors of Kerala (1956-2024) | |||
| S. No. | Name | From | To |
| 1. | Burgula Ramakrishna Rao | 22 Nov 1956 | 1 Jul 1960 |
| 2. | V.V. Giri | 1 Jul 1960 | 6 Feb 1966 |
| 3. | Bhagwan Sahay | 6 Feb 1966 | 15 May 1967 |
| 4. | V. Viswanathan | 15 May 1967 | 1 Apr 1973 |
| 5. | N. N. Wanchoo | 1 Apr 1973 | 10 Oct 1977 |
| 6. | Jothi Venkatachalam | 14 Oct 1977 | 27 Oct 1982 |
| 7. | P. Ramachandran | 27 Oct 1982 | 23 Feb 1988 |
| 8. | Ram Dulari Sinha | 23 Feb 1988 | 12 Feb 1990 |
| 9. | Swaroop Singh | 12 Feb 1990 | 20 Dec 1990 |
| 10. | T.N. Chaturvedi | 25 Feb 2004 | 23 Jun 2004 |
| 11. | R.L. Bhatia | 23 Jun 2004 | 10 Jul 2008 |
| 12. | R.S. Gavai | 11 Jul 2008 | 7 Sep 2011 |
| 13. | M.O.H. Farook | 8 Sep 2011 | 26 Jan 2012 |
| 14. | Hansraj Bhardwaj | 26 Jan 2012 | 22 Mar 2013 |
| 15. | Nikhil Kumar | 23 Mar 2013 | 5 Mar 2014 |
| 16. | Sheila Dikshit | 5 Mar 2014 | 26 Aug 2014 |
| 17. | P Sathasivam | 5 Sep 2014 | 5 Sep 2019 |
| 18. | Arif Mohammad Khan | 6 Sep 2019 | Incumbent |
Burgula Ramakrishna Rao assumed the role of the inaugural Governor of Kerala in independent India, marking a significant moment in the state's governance.
Arif Mohammad Khan took office as the current Governor of Kerala on September 6, 2019, playing a pivotal role in the state's governance.
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