Dr. T.V. Swaminathan IAS (Rtd)
Former PWD Secretary to Government of Kerala
Of the countless persons encountered in the span of one’s life, it can be confidently and deservedly said of only very few “death, be not proud; for the eminent individual whose biological life you have sniffed out lies permanently in the memory of generations”. Sri T.K. Divakaran belongs to this microscopic minority for his commitment to the responsibilities fearlessly and faultlessly.
R. Gopalaswamy IAS (Rtd)
Former PWD Secretary to Government of Kerala 1967-73
I met T.K.Divakaran for the first time when I was posted as Secretary, Public Works Department in 1967. Till 1973, when I left for Delhi to join as Joint Secretary to Government of India, I worked for six years in the Public Works Department and with him. I took him as he was, simple courteous, and sparse in words. I did not even enquire about his past. In fact, I never made enquiries about any of my Ministers’ background in general. I had to work with Ministers, whoever he or she was, and what mattered was our relationship with mutual regard and respect. I found in Divakaran this empathy. We worked together, each knowing our duties and limitations. I could not have asked for more. I used to hear that he had not studied much. It did not matter. He was a Minister and I was to assist him, guide him whenever necessary and say or write frankly what I felt about a matter. He understood me well. Together we did our best.
G. Bhaskaran Nair IAS (Rtd)
Former Chief Secretary and Advisor to the Governor
Mr. T.K. Divakaran with whom I was associated during my tenure as Secretary to Government for General Administration and Tourism is one of the unforgettable vcharacters I have met. His graceful manners and smiling face left an indelible impression in one’s mind. What impressed me most was his extraordinary ability to grasp the intricacies of service problems and suggest solutions. He also made significant contributions in the development of Tourism in the State, particularly in regard to the Resortsat Kovalam and Kumarakom. An able and good man.
V. Ramachandran IAS (Rtd)
Vice Chairman, State Planning Board and Former Chief Secretary
Sri. T.K.Divakaran rose from very humble beginnings to be a senior political leader and an able administrator. He could identify the core of any problem objectively, consider in a positive way various alternatives, and finally adopt and implement the most practicable one, without harping about an ideal solution. His calm temperament, courteous behaviour and basic public-spiritedness were great assets, which won for him many admirers and friends.
