Sridhar Vembu has shared memories of studying at IIT Madras alongside Raju Narayana Swamy, highlighting his academic brilliance and later career in public service. Vembu’s remarks came in response to a viral post on social media platform X discussing Swamy’s UPSC journey and anti-corruption work.
IIT Days and Academic Excellence
Vembu recalled that Swamy was a top-performing student at IIT Madras, securing a very high rank in IIT JEE 1985 and standing out among peers, many of whom came from larger cities. Both studied computer science at IIT Madras.
According to Vembu, most classmates eventually moved abroad for higher studies or careers, but Swamy made a different choice.
“Most of our classmates, including me, went abroad. He chose to stay in India,” Vembu noted.
Who is Raju Narayana Swamy
Raju Narayana Swamy is an Indian Administrative Service officer from the Kerala cadre who topped the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1991.
Born in 1968 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, he studied computer science at IIT Madras, where he graduated at the top of his class in 1989. Despite receiving a scholarship offer from MIT, he chose to remain in India and prepare for the UPSC examination.
A widely shared social media post attributed his decision to a sense of responsibility toward public service, noting that he felt compelled to give back to the country that supported his education.
Career and Anti-Corruption Work
Swamy’s career in the IAS has been marked by his firm stance against corruption. He is known for taking action in cases involving land irregularities and administrative malpractice.
Due to his strict approach, his career has reportedly seen multiple transfers, often linked to conflicts with powerful interests. However, he has also earned strong public support for his integrity and persistence.
A profile on the IIT Kanpur website describes him as an officer known for his uncompromising stand against corruption and his willingness to challenge illegal practices, even in the face of political pressure.
