Retired IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, Dr Sudipkumar Nanda (68), passed away on the night of July 26. He was in the US to visit his daughter.

At the time of his retirement, he was posted as the Additional Chief Secretary of the state’s home department. Throughout his career, he made numerous decisions that were significant for the welfare of the people.

He was Chief Minister Narendra Modi's Chief Secretary in 2012,  and was also posted as chairman and managing director at state-run PSU Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals (GSFC) Ltd.

Born on Feb 1, 1956, Dr Nanda held several important positions during his tenure with the state government. His services in the health department were frequently praised. He was noted for overseeing relief efforts during the Bhuj earthquake in 2001 and ensuring that an epidemic did not spread after the disaster. He significantly contributed to government policies related to Ayurveda, tribal development, and blood donation.

In the state’s remote areas, where communication was lacking, he introduced the ham radio system. A 1978 batch officer, Nanda served as Assistant Collector and Collector at the field level in the districts including Dang, Vadodara, Panchmahal, Banaskantha, and Junagadh.

During the water scarcity in 1984, the drought situation in 1985-86, and various disasters, he worked commendably in the fields of health, water, law and order, environment, and afforestation.

In the government, besides health and home, he worked in several departments including civil supplies, tourism, forests, and environment. 

He was a strong contender for the position of Chief Secretary of Gujarat. However, after the retirement of Chief Secretary Varesh Sinha, the state government appointed him as the MD of GSFC in 2014 and chose Dr DJ Pandian for the position.

Originally from Jagannath Puri (Odisha), Nanda chose to reside in Gandhinagar after his retirement. For the people of Odisha who were residing in Gujarat, he constructed a replica of the Jagannath temple near Adalaj in Gandhinagar.