Was humiliated over my skin colour by high-profile individual, says Sarada Muraleedharan; will retire from post of Chief Secretary today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Outgoing Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan has revealed that she was subjected to derogatory remarks about her skin colour by a prominent individual. Speaking to a private television channel, Muraleedharan said the person in question has never apologised, despite her continued professional interactions with him. When asked whether the individual was a politician, she declined to respond. Her decision to publicly address the issue through social media had sparked significant attention and support worldwide.

Sarada Muraleedharan is retiring today from the post of Chief Secretary. She said that she is retiring with a sense of fulfilment, having been able to initiate rehabilitation efforts in disaster-affected areas of Wayanad such as Meppadi, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala. As Chairperson of the high-level committee for rehabilitation efforts, she played a key role. She also participated in the inauguration of the state government's fourth anniversary celebrations.

In a related development, the government is yet to take a final call on the suspension of IAS officer N. Prasanth, who was removed from service in November for allegedly making derogatory remarks about senior officer Dr. A. Jayathilak via social media. As Chief Secretary, Sarada Muraleedharan assessed that Prashanth's issue stems from a sense of victimisation. She is stepping down from her position, leaving the decision on the matter to the Chief Minister.