Archive · 22 Sep 2026
K. Jayakumar Reflects on Service, Kerala Tourism and Values
K. Jayakumar was an important government officer in Kerala.
He says his first posting taught him that a job title does not make someone better than ordinary people.
He believes government officers should be honest, humble and fair.
They should follow professional rules instead of simply doing whatever a politician asks.
He also says officers must handle protests carefully and use force only when absolutely necessary.
Jayakumar helped Kerala promote itself as a major tourist destination using the slogan “God’s Own Country.”
He thinks technology and AI can help government but should not replace human judgment.
He tells young people to join the civil services because they want to help people, not because they want fame or power.
K. Jayakumar recalls learning humility during his first posting as Sub-Collector in Calicut in 1980.
The former Kerala Chief Secretary says civil servants must prioritize integrity, professional advice, rules and non-attachment to office.
As Kerala Tourism director in 1989, he helped transform the department through marketing, international fairs and public-private partnerships.
Jayakumar says protests should be handled lawfully and with minimum force, while civil servants must serve citizens rather than treat them as enemies.
He advises young aspirants to choose public service for its purpose, not for power, money, status or glamour, and urges caution about over-relying on technology and AI.
- Who
- K. Jayakumar, former Chief Secretary of Kerala, poet, writer and lyricist.
- What
- He reflected on his public-service career, Kerala Tourism’s transformation, and the values and responsibilities of civil servants.
- When
- His career began in the late 1970s; he became Calicut Sub-Collector in 1980 and Kerala Tourism director in 1989. The interview marks the third anniversary of UPSC Essentials magazine.
- Where
- Kerala, including his first posting in Calicut (Kozhikode).
- Why
- To discuss changes in civil services and offer guidance to young people considering public service.
- First posting
- Sub-Collector, Calicut (Kozhikode), in 1980
- Kerala Tourism role
- Director of Kerala Tourism in 1989
- Tourism slogan
- He suggested expanding “Kerala, God’s Country” to “God’s Own Country”.
- Career principle
- Positions and titles are temporary, but values endure.
- Civil-service pillars
- Integrity, non-attachment, professional advice and adherence to rules.
- Public protests
- Use of force should be legal, fair and limited to the minimum necessary.
- Technology and AI
- They can strengthen governance but should not replace human judgment and institutional responsibility.