Sreedhanya Suresh IAS has assumed charge as the District Collector of Kasaragod. She took over the role from the outgoing ‘people’s collector,’ Arjun Pandian IAS. Sreedhanya stated that she would prioritize the tourism development of Kasaragod. She holds the distinction of being the first tribal woman from Kerala to clear the Civil Services Examination and is serving as a District Collector for the first time. A native of Pozhuthana in Wayanad district, Sreedhanya belongs to the Kurichiya community. The daughter of daily-wage laborers Suresh and Kamala, she grew up battling significant social and economic hardships. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Devagiri College, Kozhikode, and a Master’s degree in Applied Zoology from the University of Calicut. It was while working as a ‘Last Grade’ employee in the Scheduled Tribes Development Department after her studies that the dream of joining the Civil Services took root in her mind. Despite facing severe financial constraints, she made history by securing the 410th rank in the 2018 Civil Services Examination. Subsequently, she was appointed as an IAS officer of the 2019 batch (Kerala cadre). Having begun her official career as the Assistant Collector of Kozhikode, Sreedhanya has served with distinction in various administrative roles, including that of the Sub-Collector of Perinthalmanna.
Sreedhanya Suresh IAS was welcomed upon her arrival at the Collectorate in the morning by a team led by ADM P. Udayakumar. District Collector Arjun Pandian received her with a bouquet in his chamber. She signed the documents for the official transfer of charge and subsequently assumed office as the District Collector. ADM P. Udayakumar, Deputy Collectors, and the District Information Officer Madhusoodanan were present on the occasion.
