Govind Narain, also spelled as Govind Narayan, was the former Governor of the Indian state of Karnataka and was a member of the Indian Civil Service. The Indian Civil Service (ICS), also known as the British India Civil Service or Imperial Civil Service, was the civil service of the Government of India during the era of the rule of British Empire in India. Govind Narain previously acted as the Chief Secretary of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India from the year 1958 to 1961. He also served as the Home Secretary of India, also known as Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) from 1971 to 1973, as well as the Defence Secretary of India from the year 1973 to 1975. Govind Narain is regarded as one of the most senior and respected civil servants of the country. Govind Narain was born on 5th May 1916 in the district of Mainpuri in the state of Uttar Pradesh, British India.
Political Career of Govind Narain
In the year 1939, Narain was selected as a member of the Indian Civil Service (Imperial Civil Service). He was later appointed as the Home Secretary of India and Defence Secretary of India before he retired from the position. He played an essential role as Home Secretary during the war with Pakistan in the year 1971. Govind Narain was then appointed as the Defence Secretary. He served the post from the year 1973 to 1975. He later became the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh state. Narain was deputed to develop the relations between India and Nepal in the year 1951 and serve as the Adviser to the King of Nepal. Govind Narain or Govind Narayan was eventually elected as the Governor of Karnataka. He succeeded Uma Shankar Dikshit and became the Governor in the year 1977. He served in office till the year 1983 and was succeeded by Ashoknath N. Banerji.
Later Life of Govind Narain
Govind Narain was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award in the year 2009 for his various contributions. He died on 3rd April 2012 at the age of 95 years, in New Delhi, India. Vikram Chandra, his grandson, is a well known television correspondent and journalist.
