Health Secretary Who Steered the State Through Crisis Succumbs to Brain Tumor
Dr. Beela Venkatesan (Rajesh), a distinguished 1997 batch IAS officer and a central figure in Tamil Nadu’s pandemic management, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 56 following a prolonged battle with a brain tumor. At the time of her passing, she was serving as Secretary of the Energy Department.
Dr. Venkatesan became a household name in 2020 when she assumed the role of Health Secretary during the COVID-19 outbreak. Her composed demeanor and informative daily briefings provided clarity and reassurance during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
A Doctor Turned Administrator
Trained as a medical professional, Dr. Beela earned her MBBS from the prestigious Madras Medical College. Despite her clinical background, she chose the path of public administration, successfully clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1997. Her initial postings were in Bihar and Jharkhand before she was transferred to Tamil Nadu, where she went on to serve in several pivotal roles.
As Health Secretary, she spearheaded the digitization of patient records through the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) and played a crucial role in managing the 2019 dengue outbreak.
Leadership in a Time of Crisis
When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in early 2020, Dr. Venkatesan was entrusted with leading the state’s health response. Despite the enormity of the task and the high-profile nature of the role, she quickly became the face of Tamil Nadu’s fight against the virus.
Her calm, data-driven communication style and consistent media engagement helped build public trust and lent credibility to the state’s evolving health strategies. While her administrative acumen and medical insight were widely praised, some journalists noted moments of impatience during press interactions — perhaps a reflection of the immense pressure she faced.
A Distinguished Career in Governance
Throughout her career, Dr. Beela held several influential positions, including:
Sub-Collector, Chengalpattu
Commissioner of Fisheries
Commissioner for Town and Country Planning
Commissioner for Indian Medicine and Homeopathy
Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare
In each role, she was recognized for her diligence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service.
A Legacy Rooted in Public Service
Dr. Beela came from a family deeply embedded in public life. Her mother, Rani Venkatesan, was a senior Congress leader and former MLA from Nagercoil, while her father, SN Venkatesan, served as Director General of Police in Tamil Nadu.
She was married to Rajesh Das, a senior IPS officer from the Odisha cadre and currently Additional Director General of Police in Tamil Nadu. His name drew media attention in 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment — a controversy that cast a shadow over an otherwise distinguished career.
A Quiet Trailblazer
Born on November 15, 1969, in Thoothukudi, Dr. Beela resided in Kottivakkam, Chennai. Known among colleagues as a focused and mission-oriented officer, she often preferred to work away from the limelight. Yet, her leadership during the pandemic brought her into the public eye, earning her widespread respect and admiration.
As one of the few IAS officers in India with a medical background, she uniquely bridged the gap between healthcare policy and administrative execution — a rare and invaluable combination.
The End of an Era
Dr. Beela Venkatesan’s passing marks the conclusion of a remarkable journey in public service. Her career, spanning decades, was defined by resilience, compassion, and an unyielding dedication to the welfare of the people. From hospital corridors to government offices, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of public servants.
