- Current Role: Dr. Jayanti S. Ravi, an IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre (1991 batch), serves as the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government in the Revenue Department, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, as of August 1, 2024.
- Background: With a Master’s in Nuclear Physics, a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard, and a Ph.D. in E-Governance, she brings a unique blend of scientific rigor and administrative expertise.
- Key Contributions: She has significantly impacted rural sanitation through the Swachh Bharat Mission, improved Gujarat’s health rankings, and led an acclaimed COVID-19 response.
- Multifaceted Persona: A scientist, writer, vocalist, and spiritual thinker, Dr. Ravi’s diverse talents enrich her public service.
- Complexity Acknowledged: While her contributions are widely praised, her tenure during the COVID-19 pandemic faced scrutiny, reflecting the challenges of managing public health crises.
Who is Dr. Jayanti S. Ravi?
Dr. Jayanti S. Ravi is a senior civil servant whose career spans over three decades, marked by transformative contributions to governance in Gujarat and beyond. Currently, she holds the pivotal role of Additional Chief Secretary in the Revenue Department, overseeing critical functions like land reforms and disaster management. Her academic credentials, including advanced degrees from prestigious institutions, and her diverse roles in health, rural development, and education make her a standout figure in Indian administration.
What Has She Achieved?
Dr. Ravi’s work has had a tangible impact on Gujarat’s development. She led the state to excel in the Swachh Bharat Mission, improving rural sanitation for two consecutive years. Her leadership in health governance elevated Gujarat’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) ranking for Good Health and Well-Being from 17th to 1st nationally between 2018 and 2021. Her management of Gujarat’s COVID-19 response earned praise from global bodies like the World Health Organization, though it also faced public scrutiny, highlighting the complexities of crisis management.
Why Is Her Work Important?
Her multidisciplinary approach combining science, policy, and spirituality sets a benchmark for effective governance. By integrating technology and community engagement, she has driven sustainable change in areas like sanitation, health, and education. Her current role in the Revenue Department positions her to shape policies that affect land management and disaster preparedness, critical for Gujarat’s economic and social stability.
What’s Next for Dr. Ravi?
As of June 2025, Dr. Ravi continues to serve in her current role, likely focusing on streamlining revenue processes and enhancing disaster management systems. Her past roles suggest she will bring innovation and empathy to these challenges, further solidifying her legacy as a transformative leader.
Biography of Dr. Jayanti S. Ravi: A Multifaceted Leader in Indian Governance
Dr. Jayanti S. Ravi, a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Gujarat cadre (1991 batch), stands as a beacon of transformative governance. As the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government in the Revenue Department, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, since August 1, 2024, she continues to shape policies that impact millions. Her career, spanning over three decades, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public service, blending scientific rigor, administrative acumen, and a deep-rooted passion for human development. A scientist, writer, vocalist, educator, and spiritual thinker, Dr. Ravi’s multifaceted persona has made her a role model for aspiring civil servants and a catalyst for change in India’s administrative landscape.
Early Life: A Foundation in Knowledge and Curiosity
Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Ravi’s early life was steeped in intellectual curiosity and a drive to make a difference. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, she developed an appreciation for learning and service that would define her career. Her academic journey began with a Master’s degree in Nuclear Physics from the University of Madras, where her analytical mind thrived on unraveling the complexities of science. This scientific foundation laid the groundwork for her disciplined approach to problem-solving.
Her quest for knowledge took her to Harvard University, where she earned a Master’s in Public Administration, equipping her with the tools to navigate the intricacies of governance and policy-making. Not content to rest on these laurels, she pursued a Ph.D. in E-Governance from MS University, Baroda, specializing in Technology Enhanced Education and conceptualizing a “Multiversity” a visionary model for holistic learning. This unique blend of science, public administration, and technology has shaped her innovative approach to governance.
A Stellar Career in Public Service
Dr. Ravi’s entry into the Indian Administrative Service in 1991 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Her early roles as District Development Officer (DDO) in Sabarkantha and Collector of Panchmahal provided her with grassroots experience, immersing her in the challenges of rural administration. These postings honed her ability to connect with communities, understand their needs, and implement effective solutions.
Her tenure as Director of the National Advisory Council (NAC) in the Prime Minister’s Office during the UPA-I government (2004-2009) elevated her influence to the national stage. Here, she contributed to shaping policies that addressed social and economic challenges, showcasing her ability to operate at the highest levels of governance.
Transforming Rural Development
As Principal Secretary and Commissioner of Rural Development in Gujarat, Dr. Ravi left an indelible mark by championing the Swachh Bharat Mission. Her leadership ensured Gujarat led the nation in rural sanitation for two consecutive years, improving living conditions for countless communities. Her ability to mobilize resources, engage stakeholders, and leverage technology made this initiative a model for others to follow.
Revolutionizing Health Governance
Dr. Ravi’s tenure as Principal Secretary and Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare in Gujarat was a defining chapter in her career. From 2017 to 2019, and again as Principal Secretary until 2021, she spearheaded initiatives that transformed Gujarat’s health landscape. Under her leadership, Gujarat’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) ranking for Good Health and Well-Being soared from 17th nationally in 2018-19 to 1st in 2020-21, a testament to her strategic vision and execution.
Her management of Gujarat’s COVID-19 response was particularly noteworthy. Navigating the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, she implemented measures that earned praise from the World Health Organization (WHO), IIM Ahmedabad, and the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) Gandhinagar. However, her tenure also faced scrutiny, reflecting the complex and often polarizing nature of public health crisis management. Despite these challenges, her efforts positioned Gujarat as a leader in pandemic response, balancing public health with economic recovery.
Auroville Foundation: A Spiritual and Administrative Interlude
In June 2021, Dr. Ravi was appointed Secretary of the Auroville Foundation in Tamil Nadu, a role she held until her repatriation to Gujarat in 2024. At Auroville, she aligned her administrative expertise with the foundation’s mission of human unity and sustainable living. Her work here reflected her spiritual inclinations as a devotee of Mother and Sri Aurobindo, mentored by Prof. Kireet Joshi. This period allowed her to explore the intersection of governance and spirituality, further enriching her perspective.
Current Role: Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department
On August 1, 2024, Dr. Ravi returned to Gujarat as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar . In this role, she oversees critical functions such as land reforms, revenue collection, and disaster management. Her experience in managing complex administrative challenges positions her to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and strengthen Gujarat’s resilience to natural calamities. Her appointment followed a major bureaucratic reshuffle, underscoring her continued relevance in Gujarat’s governance framework.
Contributions Beyond Administration
Dr. Ravi’s impact extends far beyond her administrative roles. She is a prolific writer, having authored books such as Sanity in Sanitation (Penguin), Symphony of Fraternity, and Silver Lining: Insights into Gujarat (Orient Blackswan). Her columns in Frontline and DNA offer insightful commentary on governance, development, and social issues. She has also published numerous papers in international journals and authored case studies, contributing to global academic discourse on public administration.
As an educator, Dr. Ravi has guided doctoral students and served as a visiting faculty at Harvard University, sharing her expertise with future leaders. Her academic contributions reflect her commitment to fostering innovation and knowledge in governance.
Key Achievements
| Area | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Rural Sanitation | Led Gujarat to top the Swachh Bharat Mission for two consecutive years. |
| Health Governance | Improved Gujarat’s SDG ranking for Good Health from 17th to 1st (2018-2021). |
| COVID-19 Response | Earned praise from WHO, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIPH Gandhinagar for Gujarat’s management. |
| Publications | Authored books, columns, and international journal papers. |
| Education | Guided doctoral students and served as visiting faculty at Harvard University. |
Personal Life: A Tapestry of Talents
Dr. Ravi is a multifaceted individual whose talents extend beyond the bureaucratic realm. A performing vocalist, she brings creativity and sensitivity to her work. As a teacher and thinker, she engages with ideas that transcend traditional governance, drawing inspiration from her spiritual affiliation with Mother and Sri Aurobindo. Mentored by Prof. Kireet Joshi, she embodies a holistic approach to life, blending service, intellect, and spirituality.
Her passion for human development and service to humanity is evident in every facet of her career. Whether addressing rural sanitation, health crises, or land reforms, Dr. Ravi’s work is driven by a deep commitment to improving lives and fostering sustainable progress.
Legacy and Future Impact
As of June 2025, Dr. Jayanti S. Ravi continues to serve as the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department, bringing her signature blend of innovation, empathy, and strategic vision to one of Gujarat’s most critical portfolios. Her past achievements suggest she will drive advancements in land management, revenue systems, and disaster preparedness, further solidifying Gujarat’s position as a model of effective governance.
Dr. Ravi’s journey from a nuclear physicist in Chennai to a transformative IAS officer in Gujarat exemplifies the power of education, dedication, and a multidisciplinary approach. Her ability to navigate complex challenges, from pandemics to rural development, while maintaining a commitment to spiritual and intellectual growth, makes her a unique figure in Indian administration. As she continues to shape Gujarat’s future, her legacy as a visionary leader and compassionate servant of the public grows ever stronger.