VK Pandian, also known as V Karthikeyan Pandian, is a respected Indian politician and former IAS officer who served as the Private Secretary to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik for over a decade. In 2023, Pandian officially joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), marking a significant transition from bureaucracy to active politics. Known for his visionary role in implementing Odisha’s 5T (Technology, Transparency, Teamwork, Time & Transformation) model, he is admired across the state for his work ethic and transformative leadership.
Short Bio
• Full Name: V Karthikeyan Pandian
• Date of Birth: 29 May 1974
• Birthplace: Kottampatti, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu
• Current Role: Chairman of 5T Initiatives, Odisha (Cabinet Minister Rank)
• Political Party: Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
• Profession: Politician, Former IAS Officer
• Education: Master’s Degree in Agriculture
• Spouse: Sujata Rout Karthikeyan (IAS Officer)
• Residence: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Early Life and Education
Born in a small village in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, VK Pandian was a bright and disciplined student. He completed his Bachelor’s in Agriculture from the Agricultural College & Research Institute, Madurai, and earned his Master’s degree from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
Motivated to serve the nation, he appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Examination and was selected for the Indian Revenue Service in 1999. Later, he joined the IAS in the 2000 batch and was allotted the Punjab cadre.
Civil Services & Bureaucratic Career
VK Pandian’s civil services journey took a transformative turn after his cadre transfer to Odisha:
• 2002: Appointed Sub-Collector
• 2004: Became District Magistrate of Rourkela
• 2005: Served as District Collector of Mayurbhanj
• 2007–2011: Served as Collector of Ganjam, gaining widespread recognition for rural development
• 2011–2023: Private Secretary to CM Naveen Patnaik, playing a key role in Odisha’s governance reform
• 2023: Appointed Chairman of 5T Initiatives with Cabinet Rank
Under his leadership, Ganjam was awarded the National Award for Best NREGS Implementation, twice by the Prime Minister of India.
Political Career
• On 27 November 2023, VK Pandian formally joined the Biju Janata Dal in the presence of Naveen Patnaik.
• Within months, he emerged as one of the most influential political figures in Odisha, continuing to drive 5T initiatives.
• Widely credited for streamlining governance, modernizing public services, and connecting with people directly through programs like public grievance redressal tours across districts.
Contact Info
Mobile Number: +91 87699-72***
Landline Numbers: 0674-2536762 / 2395470
Email IDs:
• vkpandiyan***@nic.in
• [email protected]
Permanent Address: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Office Address: Lok Seva Bhawan, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751001
Office Fax: Not Available
WhatsApp Number: +91 93379-29*** (partially withheld for privacy)
For official correspondence, citizens can write to him via email or contact the Lok Seva Bhawan office.
Social Media Handles
Stay connected with VK Pandian and get updates on Odisha’s governance, schemes, and his public interactions:
• Instagram: instagram.com/vkpandian.odisha
• Facebook: facebook.com/Vkpandian
• X (Twitter): x.com/vkpandianofficial
• YouTube: Not Active
• Official Website: Not Available
Personal Life
VK Pandian is married to Smt. Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, a 2000 batch IAS officer from Odisha. She is the driving force behind Mission Shakti, Odisha’s flagship Self-Help Group (SHG) movement involving over 7 million women.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is VK Pandian?
VK Pandian is a BJD politician and former IAS officer, known for his role as Private Secretary to CM Naveen Patnaik and Chairman of Odisha’s 5T initiatives.
Q: What is 5T in Odisha governance?
5T stands for Technology, Transparency, Teamwork, Time, and Transformation – a governance model spearheaded by VK Pandian.
Q: What is VK Pandian’s educational background?
He holds a Master’s degree in Agriculture from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.
Q: How can I contact VK Pandian?
You can contact him via his office at Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, or email at [email protected].
Q: Is VK Pandian married?
Yes, he is married to Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, an IAS officer and head of Mission Shakti.
Conclusion
VK Pandian is a transformative figure in Odisha’s modern governance story. From a respected bureaucrat to a visionary politician, he has consistently worked for the upliftment of citizens, the digitization of services, and the empowerment of women and rural communities. His journey from IAS to politics is a rare example of impactful leadership in India.