Jayakumar to take charge as TDB president, says smooth conduct of Sabarimala pilgrimage priority
Jayakumar described the opportunity as 'unexpected' because there was no need to consider him for the post, and said it had come at an odd time.
Jayakumar described the opportunity as 'unexpected' because there was no need to consider him for the post, and said it had come at an odd time.
Jayakumar described the opportunity as 'unexpected' because there was no need to consider him for the post, and said it had come at an odd time.
Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala chief secretary K Jayakumar, who is set to take charge as the Travancore Devaswom Board president, said on Saturday that his "immediate concern" would be the smooth conduct of the two-month-long Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season beginning on November 17.
The former IAS officer said he was informed on Friday at Thrissur by the state Devaswom Minister, VN Vasavan, that he had been selected for the post of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president.
"An order will most likely be issued by Monday, as today is a holiday," he told reporters here in the morning.
When asked if taking charge of the post would be like putting on a "crown of thorns" since the previous office bearers have been implicated in various controversies, including the Sabarimala gold loss issue, Jayakumar responded saying, "Not all crowns have thorns. It depends on how you wear it."
Jayakumar described the opportunity as "unexpected" because there was no need to consider him for the post, and said it had come at an odd time.
Explaining his statement, he said the timing was "odd" as it was close to the commencement of the two-month-long annual pilgrimage season.
He said that the outgoing Board would have made preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage season, and he has to ensure that these preparations are implemented to ensure a smooth pilgrimage for the devotees.
He added that ensuring a smooth darshan for the devotees and enabling them to return after a positive experience would be his priority.
While he declined to comment on the Sabarimala gold controversy, he said that, while he is in charge, he will take steps to ensure such incidents do not happen in the future.
"That can be done gradually," he said.
He also said that while Sabarimala was an important responsibility, the Board also had to oversee several other temples under its jurisdiction.
Jayakumar further said that after taking charge, he will strengthen any weaknesses in the management by the Board and will also try to put in place "an efficient, professional and accountable system" for carrying out the pilgrimage season in such a way that will benefit the devotees.
Jayakumar, while in government service, served as Devaswom Special Commissioner at Sabarimala for a year. After retiring as chief secretary of Kerala, he served as the founding Vice-Chancellor of the Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University.