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{{cleanup|date=January 2010}}
{{cleanup|date=January 2010}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Naresh Chandra
| name = Naresh Chandra
|image = Naresh Chandra July 2012.jpg
| image = Naresh Chandra July 2012.jpg
|office1 = [[Indian Ambassador to the United States]]
| office = [[Indian Ambassador to the United States]]
|term_start1 = 1996
| termstart = 1996
|term_end1 = 2001
| termend = 2001
|president1 = [[Shankar Dayal Sharma]] {{small|(1997–2001)}}<br>[[Kocheril Raman Narayanan]] {{small|(1996–1997)}}
| president = [[Shankar Dayal Sharma]] {{small|(1997–2001)}}<br>[[Kocheril Raman Narayanan]] {{small|(1996–1997)}}
|predecessor1 = [[Siddhartha Shankar Ray]]
| predecessor = [[Siddhartha Shankar Ray]]
|successor1 = [[Lalit Mansingh]]
| successor = [[Lalit Mansingh]]
|office2 = 13th [[List of governors of Gujarat|Governor of Gujarat]]
| office1 = 13th [[List of governors of Gujarat|Governor of Gujarat]]
|term_start2 = 1 July 1995
| termstart1 = 1 July 1995
|term_end2 = 1 March 1996
| termend1 = 1 March 1996
|predecessor2 = [[Sarup Singh]]
| predecessor1 = [[Sarup Singh]]
|successor2 = [[Krishna Pal Singh]]
| successor1 = [[Krishna Pal Singh]]
|office3 = 20th [[Cabinet Secretary (India)|Cabinet Secretary of India]]
| office2 = 20th [[Cabinet Secretary (India)|Cabinet Secretary of India]]
|term_start3 = 11 December 1990
| termstart2 = 11 December 1990
|term_end3 = 31 July 1992
| termend2 = 31 July 1992
|president3 = [[Ramaswamy Venkataraman]]
| president2 = [[Ramaswamy Venkataraman]]
|predecessor3 = [[V. C. Pande]]
| predecessor2 = [[V. C. Pande]]
|successor3 = [[S. Rajagopal]]
| successor2 = [[S. Rajagopal]]
|alma_mater = [[Allahabad University]]
| alma_mater = [[Allahabad University]]
|organization = [[Indian Administrative Service]]
| occupation = [[Indian Administrative Service|Retired IAS officer]]
⚫
| awards = [[Padma Vibhushan]] (2007)
|birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1934|08|01}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1934|08|01}}
|birth_place = [[Allahabad]], [[United Provinces of British India|United Provinces]], [[British India]]
| birth_place = [[Allahabad]], [[United Provinces of British India|United Provinces]], [[British India]]
|nationality = [[Indian people|Indian]]
| nationality = [[Indian people|Indian]]
|death_date ={{death date and age|df=yes|2017|07|09|1934|08|01}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2017|07|09|1934|08|01}}
|death_place = [[Panaji]], [[Goa]], [[India]]
| death_place = [[Panaji]], [[Goa]], [[India]]
|death_cause = [[Multiple organ failure]]
| death_cause = [[Multiple organ failure]]
|party = Apolitical
|spouse =
| spouse =
| office3 = [[Home Secretary (India)|Home Secretary]] of India
⚫
|award = [[Padma Vibhushan]] (2007)
| termstart3 = 1 March 1990
| termend3 = 1 December 1990
| termstart4 = 1 February 1989
| termend4 = 1 March 1990
| office4 = 22nd [[Defence Secretary (India)|Defence Secretary]] of India
| predecessor4 = [[Narinder Nath Vohra|N.N. Vohra]]
| successor4 = [[T. N. Seshan|T.N. Sheshan]]
| termstart5 = 1 February 1987
| termend5 = 1 February 1989
| office5 = [[Secretary to Government of India|Water Resources Secretary]] of India
}}
}}
'''Naresh Chandra''' (1 August 1934 – 9 July 2017) was an [[Indian Civil Service|Indian Civil Servant]] who served as the [[Cabinet Secretary (India)|Cabinet Secretary]] (1990–92), and [[Indian Ambassador to the United States|Ambassador to the United States]] (1996–2001).<ref name="ICG">{{cite web|url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4224 |title=Naresh Chandra |publisher=[[International Crisis Group]] |accessdate=23 January 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912061451/http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4224 |archivedate=12 September 2009 }}</ref> He was awarded India's second highest civil awards, the [[Padma Vibhushan]], for his service in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/padma-vibhushan-for-nariman-khushwant-nare/21800/|title=Padma Vibhushan for Nariman, Khushwant, Naresh Chandra |publisher=[[Indian Express]] 26 January 2007 |accessdate=23 January 2010}}</ref> The government approved of setting up of Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) on 9 January 2003, on the basis of the recommendations made by the Naresh Chandra Committee which was set up by the government on 21 August 2002 on Corporate Governance.[http://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/12/29/insights-daily-current-affairs-29-december-2017/]
'''Naresh Chandra''' (1 August 1934 – 9 July 2017) was a retired 1956 batch [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS officer]] of Rajasthan cadre. who served as the [[Cabinet Secretary (India)|Cabinet Secretary of India]], [[Defence Secretary (India)|Defence Secretary of India]], [[Home Secretary (India)|Home Secretary of India]], [[Secretary to Government of India|Water Resources Secretary of India]] and [[Indian Ambassador to the United States]].<ref name="ICG">{{cite web|url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4224 |title=Naresh Chandra |publisher=[[International Crisis Group]] |accessdate=23 January 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912061451/http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4224 |archivedate=12 September 2009 }}</ref> He was awarded India's second highest civilian honour, the [[Padma Vibhushan]], for [[civil service]], in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/padma-vibhushan-for-nariman-khushwant-nare/21800/|title=Padma Vibhushan for Nariman, Khushwant, Naresh Chandra|last=|first=|date=January 26, 2007|website=[[The Indian Express]]|publication-place=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=No|accessdate=January 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/Padma-Vibhushan-for-Khushwant-Nariman/article14711595.ece|title=Padma Vibhushan for Khushwant, Nariman|last=|first=|date=January 26, 2007|website=[[The Hindu]]|publication-place=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=No|access-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-padma-vibhushan-for-fali-nariman-khushwant-singh-1076450|title=Padma Vibhushan for Fali Nariman, Khushwant Singh|last=|first=|date=January 26, 2007|website=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|publication-place=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=No|access-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Chandra was educated in [[Allahabad]] and obtained a [[Postgraduate education|postgraduate degree]] ([[Master of Science|MSc]]) in [[Mathematics|Maths]] from the [[Allahabad University]].<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://supremo.nic.in/ERSheetHtml.aspx?OffIDErhtml=10072&PageId=|title=Naresh Chandra - Executive Record Sheet|last=|first=|date=|website=Department of Personnel and Training, [[Government of India]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=No|access-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/naresh-chandra-dies-the-finest-diplomat-represented-india-during-most-difficult-time-know-about-him/756649/|title=Naresh Chandra dies: The ‘finest’ diplomat represented India during most difficult time; know about him|last=|first=|date=July 10, 2017|website=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]|publication-place=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=No|access-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-man-with-the-clues/article19252946.ece|title=The man with the clues|last=Sood|first=Rakesh|authorlink=Rakesh Sood|date=July 11, 2017|website=[[The Hindu]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=No|access-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref>
Chandra was educated at [[Allahabad]] and obtained M.Sc. (Math) degree from the [[Allahabad University]]. Subsequently he was a lecturer at the [[Allahabad University]] for a short period.


==Civil service==
==Career==
Chandra joined the [[Indian Administrative Service]] in May 1956 and till 1964 served in different capacities in various districts of [[Rajasthan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-south-asian.com/Dec2000/Naresh%20Chandra.htm|title=Naresh Chandra|website=www.the-south-asian.com|access-date=2017-10-29}}</ref>


=== Before IAS ===
Between 1965 and 1973, Chandra's served under Central Government of India as 'Deputy Secretary, Agriculture, Community Development and Cooperation', 'Deputy Secretary, [[Administrative Reforms Commission]]', 'Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs' and 'Director, Third Central Pay Commission'.
Naresh Chandra served as a [[lecturer]] in the [[University of Allahabad|Allahabad University]] before his selection as an [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS officer]].<ref name="ICG" />


=== As an IAS officer ===
Between 1973 and 1977, he was appointed as the Secretary, Industry and Mines Department, [[Government of Rajasthan]] and the Chairman, Rajasthan Electricity Board. He was posted as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industry, [[Government of India]] in 1977, the assignment he held till 1981. That year he was appointed in the Commonwealth Secretariat as Adviser on export Industrialization and Policy, Colombo, Sri Lanka, a post he held up to May 1984. In July 1984, he took over as Finance Secretary, [[Government of Rajasthan]] and in July 1985, Shri Naresh Chandra became Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan.
Naresh Chandra served in various key capacities for both the Government of Rajasthan and the Union Government,<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> like as the [[Chief Secretary (India)|Chief Secretary]] of [[Government of Rajasthan|Rajasthan]], Commissioner and Secretary (Finance), Secretary (Industries) and Chairman of Rajasthan Electricity Board, and as the District Magistrate and Collector of [[Jodhpur]], [[Jhunjhunu]] and [[Bharatpur, Rajasthan|Bharatpur]] districts in the [[Government of Rajasthan]],<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> and as the [[Cabinet Secretary of India]], [[Home Secretary (India)|Union Home Secretary]], [[Defence Secretary (India)|Union Defence Secretary]], [[Secretary to Government of India|Union Water Resources Secretary]], [[Joint Secretary to Government of India|Joint Secretary]] in the Department of Heavy Industries of the [[Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises]], Director in the secretariat of [[Pay Commission|Third Central Pay Commission]], Deputy Secretary in the secretariat of [[Administrative Reforms Commission]] and as a Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture in the [[Government of India|Union Government]].<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/naresh-chandra-the-bureaucrat-who-spoke-the-right-words-and-not-a-word-more/articleshow/59534992.cms|title=Naresh Chandra: The bureaucrat who spoke the right words, and nothing more|last=Goswami|first=Omkar|authorlink=Omkar Goswami|date=July 11, 2017|website=[[The Economic Times]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=No|access-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref>


Naresh Chandra also served as an Adviser to the [[List of governors of Jammu and Kashmir|Governor of Jammu and Kashmir]] in 1986 for a duration of eight months.<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> Chandra also served as Adviser (Export Industrialization and Policy) for the [[Commonwealth Secretariat]] in [[Colombo]], [[Sri Lanka|Sri Lanka.]]<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
He was also an Adviser to the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir in 1986 for a period of 8 months. During 1987 to 1989, he served as Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India. He worked as Defence Secretary from February 1989 to March 1990 and from March 1990 to December 1990 as [[Union Home Secretary (India)|Union Home Secretary]], Government of India. In December 1990 he became the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India which post he held till July 1992. Thereafter, in August 1992, he was appointed as Senior Adviser to Prime Minister. Naresh Chandra took over as the Governor of [[Gujarat]] on 1 July 1995 and continued till 29.02.1996.


Post his superannuation from the service as the [[Cabinet Secretary of India]],<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Chandra was appointed as a Senior Adviser in the [[Prime Minister's Office (India)|Prime Minister's Office]] (PMO),<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> and hence was deemed to have been reemployed into the [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]].<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />
⚫
Ambassador Chandra's long official association with the United States spans more than three decades, beginning with his first visit to this country in 1963-64. He has been the Indian Co-chairman of the US-India Technology Group, and Member of the Indo-US Economic Sub-Commission, which lent him valuable insight into the broad range of Indo-US relations. Following the economic liberalisation program in India, he led the first official delegation to the US in 1992 to promote US investments in India. He has been deeply involved in several important conferences organised subsequently in the US by business development groups.<ref>http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=4224 {{dead link|date=October 2017}}</ref><ref>http://www.tcs.com/about/corp_facts/board_directors/Pages/default.aspx#chandra {{dead link|date=October 2017}}</ref>

==== Chief Secretary of Rajasthan ====
Chandra was appointed as the [[Chief Secretary (India)|Chief Secretary]] of [[Government of Rajasthan|Rajasthan]] by the [[List of Chief Ministers of Rajasthan|Chief Minister of Rajasthan]],<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> he assumed the office of the Chief Secretary on 1 July 1985,<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> and demitted on 1 March 1986.<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

==== Water Resources Secretary of India ====
Chandra was appointed as the [[Secretary to Government of India|Union Water Resources Secretary]] by the [[Appointments Committee of the Cabinet]] (ACC),<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> he assumed the office on 1 February 1987,<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> and demitted it on 1 February 1989,<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> after serving for two years.<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

==== Defence Secretary of India ====
Chandra was appointed as the [[Defence Secretary (India)|Union Defence Secretary]] by the [[Appointments Committee of the Cabinet]] (ACC),<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> he assumed the office of the Defence Secretary on 1 February 1989,<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> and demitted it on 1 March 1990.<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

==== Home Secretary of India ====
Chandra was appointed as the [[Home Secretary (India)|Union Home Secretary]] by the [[Appointments Committee of the Cabinet]] (ACC),<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> he assumed the office of the Home Secretary on 1 March 1990,<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> and demitted it on 1 December 1990.<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

==== Cabinet Secretary of India ====
Chandra was appointed as the [[Cabinet Secretary of India|Union Cabinet Secretary]] by the [[Appointments Committee of the Cabinet]] (ACC),<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> he assumed the office of the Cabinet Secretary on 1 December 1990,<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> and demitted it and simultaneously [[Pension|superannuated]] from service on 1 December 1990.<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

=== After IAS ===

==== Governor of Gujarat ====
After his tenure in the PMO,<ref name=":3" /> Chandra was appointed as the [[List of governors of Gujarat|Governor of Gujarat]] by the [[President of India]],<ref name=":3" /> he assumed the office of Governor on 1 July 1995 and demitted it on 1 March 1996.<ref name=":3" />

==== Ambassador of India to the United States of America ====
Chandra was appointed as the Indian Ambassador to the United States by the [[Prime Minister of India]] in 1996,<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> he was confirmed to the diplomatic position by the [[President of the United States|President of the United States of America]] in 1996,<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> he remained as the Ambassador of India to the United States till 2001.<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

⚫
Chandra's long official association with the United States spans more than three decades, beginning with his first visit to this country in 1963-64.<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-south-asian.com/Dec2000/Naresh%20Chandra.htm|title=Naresh Chandra|last=|first=|date=|website=The South Asian|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=No|access-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref> He has been the Indian Co-chairman of the US-India Technology Group, and Member of the Indo-US Economic Sub-Commission, which lent him valuable insight into the broad range of Indo-US relations.<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":4" /> Following the economic liberalisation program in India, he led the first official delegation to the US in 1992 to promote US investments in India.<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> He has been deeply involved in several important conferences organised subsequently in the US by business development groups.<ref name="ICG" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

==== Post Ambassadorship ====
The government approved of setting up of [[Serious Fraud Investigation Office]] (SFIO) on 9 January 2003, on the basis of the recommendations made by the Naresh Chandra Committee which was set up by the government on 21 August 2002 on Corporate Governance


==His work in his words==
==His work in his words==
[[File:Defense.gov News Photo 120723-D-TT977-017 - Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter meets with former Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Naresh Chandra in Delhi India on July 23 2012. India.jpg|right|thumb|Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Naresh Chandra in Delhi on 23 July 2012.]]
[[File:Defense.gov News Photo 120723-D-TT977-017 - Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter meets with former Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Naresh Chandra in Delhi India on July 23 2012. India.jpg|right|thumb|Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Naresh Chandra in Delhi on 23 July 2012.|270x270px]]
‘Living in interesting times’ is how I would describe my tenure here. Something or the other has always been happening. There was a lot of interaction on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty when I first arrived here. 1997 was a ‘feel good’ time – we were celebrating 50 years of Independence - there were series of functions and events – in fact we had more functions in the U.S. than in India. The major challenge came in May 1998 - dealing with the nuclear test. I remember going from one studio to another – TV, radio, and press – in addition to dozens of meetings in the Senate and the Congress. That was the most difficult and a very challenging period of my tenure here. Then began the rounds of discussions between Indian delegation, led by Jaswant Singh, and the U.S. delegation led by Talbot. I was present in every meeting and throughout. We saw the scene develop from a very tense dialogue into a very friendly and frank exchange of views. This brought about stability and progress in a positive direction in our relations with the U.S.
‘Living in interesting times’ is how I would describe my tenure here. Something or the other has always been happening. There was a lot of interaction on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty when I first arrived here. 1997 was a ‘feel good’ time – we were celebrating 50 years of Independence - there were series of functions and events – in fact we had more functions in the U.S. than in India. The major challenge came in May 1998 - dealing with the nuclear test. I remember going from one studio to another – TV, radio, and press – in addition to dozens of meetings in the Senate and the Congress. That was the most difficult and a very challenging period of my tenure here. Then began the rounds of discussions between Indian delegation, led by Jaswant Singh, and the U.S. delegation led by Talbot. I was present in every meeting and throughout. We saw the scene develop from a very tense dialogue into a very friendly and frank exchange of views. This brought about stability and progress in a positive direction in our relations with the U.S.


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==Death==
==Death==
Chandra died at a hospital in [[Panaji]], [[Goa]], India, of [[multiple organ failure]] on 9 July 2017 at the age of 82.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/fomer-indian-ambassador-to-the-us-naresh-chandra-dies/1095226|title=Fomer [sic] Indian Ambassador to the US Naresh Chandra dies|publisher=Outlook India|accessdate=9 July 2017|date=9 July 2017}}</ref>
Chandra died at a hospital in [[Panaji]], [[Goa]], India, of [[multiple organ failure]] on 9 July 2017 at the age of 82.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/former-indian-ambassador-to-us-naresh-chandra-passes-away-in-goa/article19249246.ece|title=Former Indian Ambassador to US Naresh Chandra passes away in Goa|last=Kamat|first=Prakash|date=July 10, 2017|website=[[The Hindu]]|publication-place=[[Panaji]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=No|access-date=January 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/fomer-indian-ambassador-to-the-us-naresh-chandra-dies/1095226|title=Former Indian Ambassador to the US Naresh Chandra dies|last=|first=|date=9 July 2017|website=[[Outlook (magazine)|Outlook]]|publication-place=[[New Delhi]]|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|accessdate=9 July 2017}}</ref>


==Awards and recognition==
==Awards and recognition==

Revision as of 23:05, 11 January 2018

Naresh Chandra
Indian Ambassador to the United States
In office
1996–2001
PresidentShankar Dayal Sharma (1997–2001)
Kocheril Raman Narayanan (1996–1997)
Preceded bySiddhartha Shankar Ray
Succeeded byLalit Mansingh
13th Governor of Gujarat
In office
1 July 1995 – 1 March 1996
Preceded bySarup Singh
Succeeded byKrishna Pal Singh
20th Cabinet Secretary of India
In office
11 December 1990 – 31 July 1992
PresidentRamaswamy Venkataraman
Preceded byV. C. Pande
Succeeded byS. Rajagopal
Home Secretary of India
In office
1 March 1990 – 1 December 1990
22nd Defence Secretary of India
In office
1 February 1989 – 1 March 1990
Preceded byN.N. Vohra
Succeeded byT.N. Sheshan
Water Resources Secretary of India
In office
1 February 1987 – 1 February 1989
Personal details
Born(1934-08-01)1 August 1934
Allahabad, United Provinces, British India
Died9 July 2017(2017-07-09) (aged 82)
Panaji, Goa, India
Cause of deathMultiple organ failure
Alma materAllahabad University
OccupationRetired IAS officer
AwardsPadma Vibhushan (2007)

Naresh Chandra (1 August 1934 – 9 July 2017) was a retired 1956 batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre. who served as the Cabinet Secretary of India, Defence Secretary of India, Home Secretary of India, Water Resources Secretary of India and Indian Ambassador to the United States.[1] He was awarded India's second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan, for civil service, in 2007.[2][3][4]

Early life

Chandra was educated in Allahabad and obtained a postgraduate degree (MSc) in Maths from the Allahabad University.[1][5][6][7]

Career

Before IAS

Naresh Chandra served as a lecturer in the Allahabad University before his selection as an IAS officer.[1]

As an IAS officer

Naresh Chandra served in various key capacities for both the Government of Rajasthan and the Union Government,[1][5][6][7] like as the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, Commissioner and Secretary (Finance), Secretary (Industries) and Chairman of Rajasthan Electricity Board, and as the District Magistrate and Collector of Jodhpur, Jhunjhunu and Bharatpur districts in the Government of Rajasthan,[1][5][6][7] and as the Cabinet Secretary of India, Union Home Secretary, Union Defence Secretary, Union Water Resources Secretary, Joint Secretary in the Department of Heavy Industries of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Director in the secretariat of Third Central Pay Commission, Deputy Secretary in the secretariat of Administrative Reforms Commission and as a Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture in the Union Government.[1][5][6][7][8]

Naresh Chandra also served as an Adviser to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in 1986 for a duration of eight months.[1][5][6][7][8] Chandra also served as Adviser (Export Industrialization and Policy) for the Commonwealth Secretariat in Colombo, Sri Lanka.[1][5][6][7][8]

Post his superannuation from the service as the Cabinet Secretary of India,[5][6][7] Chandra was appointed as a Senior Adviser in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO),[1][5][6][7] and hence was deemed to have been reemployed into the IAS.[1][5][6][7]

Chief Secretary of Rajasthan

Chandra was appointed as the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan,[1][5][6][7] he assumed the office of the Chief Secretary on 1 July 1985,[1][5][6][7] and demitted on 1 March 1986.[1][5][6][7]

Water Resources Secretary of India

Chandra was appointed as the Union Water Resources Secretary by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC),[1][5][6][7] he assumed the office on 1 February 1987,[1][5][6][7] and demitted it on 1 February 1989,[1][5][6][7] after serving for two years.[1][5][6][7]

Defence Secretary of India

Chandra was appointed as the Union Defence Secretary by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC),[1][5][6][7] he assumed the office of the Defence Secretary on 1 February 1989,[1][5][6][7] and demitted it on 1 March 1990.[1][5][6][7]

Home Secretary of India

Chandra was appointed as the Union Home Secretary by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC),[1][5][6][7] he assumed the office of the Home Secretary on 1 March 1990,[1][5][6][7] and demitted it on 1 December 1990.[1][5][6][7]

Cabinet Secretary of India

Chandra was appointed as the Union Cabinet Secretary by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC),[1][5][6][7][8] he assumed the office of the Cabinet Secretary on 1 December 1990,[1][5][6][7][8] and demitted it and simultaneously superannuated from service on 1 December 1990.[1][5][6][7][8]

After IAS

Governor of Gujarat

After his tenure in the PMO,[8] Chandra was appointed as the Governor of Gujarat by the President of India,[8] he assumed the office of Governor on 1 July 1995 and demitted it on 1 March 1996.[8]

Ambassador of India to the United States of America

Chandra was appointed as the Indian Ambassador to the United States by the Prime Minister of India in 1996,[1][6][7][8] he was confirmed to the diplomatic position by the President of the United States of America in 1996,[1][6][7][8] he remained as the Ambassador of India to the United States till 2001.[1][6][7][8]

Chandra's long official association with the United States spans more than three decades, beginning with his first visit to this country in 1963-64.[1][8][9] He has been the Indian Co-chairman of the US-India Technology Group, and Member of the Indo-US Economic Sub-Commission, which lent him valuable insight into the broad range of Indo-US relations.[1][9] Following the economic liberalisation program in India, he led the first official delegation to the US in 1992 to promote US investments in India.[1][8][9] He has been deeply involved in several important conferences organised subsequently in the US by business development groups.[1][8][9]

Post Ambassadorship

The government approved of setting up of Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) on 9 January 2003, on the basis of the recommendations made by the Naresh Chandra Committee which was set up by the government on 21 August 2002 on Corporate Governance

His work in his words

Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Naresh Chandra in Delhi on 23 July 2012.

‘Living in interesting times’ is how I would describe my tenure here. Something or the other has always been happening. There was a lot of interaction on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty when I first arrived here. 1997 was a ‘feel good’ time – we were celebrating 50 years of Independence - there were series of functions and events – in fact we had more functions in the U.S. than in India. The major challenge came in May 1998 - dealing with the nuclear test. I remember going from one studio to another – TV, radio, and press – in addition to dozens of meetings in the Senate and the Congress. That was the most difficult and a very challenging period of my tenure here. Then began the rounds of discussions between Indian delegation, led by Jaswant Singh, and the U.S. delegation led by Talbot. I was present in every meeting and throughout. We saw the scene develop from a very tense dialogue into a very friendly and frank exchange of views. This brought about stability and progress in a positive direction in our relations with the U.S.

The Prime Minister’s visit in September 1998 was also an important one. It dissipated the demonising of India that had gone on before his arrival. People saw him and heard him speak. His statement that "India and the U.S. can be natural allies in the 21st century" struck a chord in the U.S. administration. President Clinton’s visit to India and then the return visit of the Indian Prime Minister put a feel on it. I witnessed a very fine chapter in the Indo-U.S. relations.

A specific instance that I will remember of my tenure, is the establishment of Gandhi Memorial - Mahatma Gandhi’s statue – in front of our Chancery building in Washington DC – and the way it was accomplished against heavy odds. We were able to have it up just in time to have it dedicated by the Prime Minister of India in the presence of the president of the United States on 16 September 2000. It was a great moment – for South Asians and Americans. I also received many messages from our friends in Pakistan – and the Pakistan Ambassador congratulated me and expressed her happiness at the establishment of the statue.[10]

Death

Chandra died at a hospital in Panaji, Goa, India, of multiple organ failure on 9 July 2017 at the age of 82.[6][11][12]

Awards and recognition

External links

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag "Naresh Chandra". International Crisis Group. Archived from the original on 12 September 2009. Retrieved 23 January 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ "Padma Vibhushan for Nariman, Khushwant, Naresh Chandra". The Indian Express. New Delhi. 26 January 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "Padma Vibhushan for Khushwant, Nariman". The Hindu. New Delhi. 26 January 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ "Padma Vibhushan for Fali Nariman, Khushwant Singh". Daily News and Analysis. New Delhi. 26 January 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y "Naresh Chandra - Executive Record Sheet". Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India. Retrieved 12 January 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac "Naresh Chandra dies: The 'finest' diplomat represented India during most difficult time; know about him". The Financial Express. New Delhi. 10 July 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab Sood, Rakesh (11 July 2017). "The man with the clues". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 January 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Goswami, Omkar (11 July 2017). "Naresh Chandra: The bureaucrat who spoke the right words, and nothing more". The Economic Times. Retrieved 12 January 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b c d "Naresh Chandra". The South Asian. Retrieved 12 January 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ "Mr. Naresh Chandra". The South Asian. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  11. ^ Kamat, Prakash (10 July 2017). "Former Indian Ambassador to US Naresh Chandra passes away in Goa". The Hindu. Panaji. Retrieved 12 January 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ "Former Indian Ambassador to the US Naresh Chandra dies". Outlook. New Delhi. 9 July 2017. Retrieved 9 July 2017. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
Political offices
Preceded by Indian Ambassador to the United States
1996–2001 		Succeeded by
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