Sarada Muraleedharan Motivates Tech Innovators on Change and Leadership
Former Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan recently encouraged tech innovators to view public service through the lens of transformation, leadership, and identity. Speaking at Reflections Info Systems in Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, she emphasized that bureaucracy should not be limited to routine administration but should be a force for meaningful change.
The talk was part of the company’s ‘Inspired Talks’ series, aimed at fostering dialogue between technology leaders and changemakers from various sectors.
Bureaucracy as a Catalyst for Change
Reflecting on her extensive administrative career, Ms. Muraleedharan highlighted the transformative potential of bureaucracy. “While systems often come with limitations, it’s up to you to innovate and keep reinventing,” she told the audience, urging them to see beyond day-to-day governance and work towards long-term societal impact.
Insights from the Kudumbashree Mission
Responding to questions from the tech community, she shared her experiences leading the renowned Kudumbashree Mission — Kerala’s flagship initiative for poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment. “The women involved were my greatest source of inspiration,” she said, stressing that success came from listening, understanding, and acting as enablers rather than mere administrators.
Challenging Stereotypes and Embracing Identity
Ms. Muraleedharan also opened up about her personal journey, including facing subtle bias due to her dark complexion. She spoke of the power of self-confidence and breaking social stereotypes.
“The real beauty lies in accepting who you are,” she said, encouraging individuals to embrace their identity while navigating professional paths.
Human Connection in Leadership
She emphasized the importance of genuine, human-level connections in leadership. When asked about a moment where she danced, she responded, “Dance represents freedom and joy,” encouraging women to freely express themselves through art and celebration.
A Multifaceted Career in Public Service
Over the years, Ms. Muraleedharan has held several key positions, including roles in the National Rural Livelihood Mission, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology. Her diverse career reflects the broad scope of public service and the opportunities it offers for innovation and impact.
About Reflections Info Systems
Founded in 2008, Reflections Info Systems is an AI-driven digital engineering company headquartered in Technopark, Kerala. It aims to be a trusted global partner in technology transformation for leading international brands.
