IIT Topper, UPSC Rank 1, 32 Transfers: Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu Honours Classmate Who Refused To Leave India

Zoho co-founder and chief scientist Sridhar Vembu has shared details about the career of IAS officer Raju Narayana Swamy. He highlighting his journey from a top student to a civil servant known for taking firm stands.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vembu recalled studying with Swamy at IIT Madras and said he stood out even among high achievers. He also spoke about how their career paths later took very different directions.

From IIT Ranker To Civil Services Topper

Vembu wrote, “Raju Narayana Swamy was my classmate in IIT Madras. He also had a very high rank in IIT JEE 1985, my recollection was AIR 10 and he came from small town in Kerala and most top rankers were from the big cities so he stood out.”

He added that many of their classmates chose to move abroad, but Swamy stayed back.

“Most of our classmates – including me – went abroad. He chose to stay in India.”

After completing his engineering studies, Swamy went on to crack the Civil Services Examination, the post shared by Vembu outlines Swamy’s education and career path. He secured All India Rank 1 in 1991 and joined the Indian Administrative Service.

The post also said that he had the chance to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but decided against it. He reportedly believed that since his education was supported by public funds, he should give back by working in India.

Frequent Transfers During Service Years

During his time as an IAS officer in Kerala, Swamy became known for handling sensitive matters. He was involved in cases where he reportedly exposed illegal land deals connected to powerful people.

These actions often led to transfers. Over a career of 34 years, he was transferred 32 times, according to the post.

At one stage, he even wrote to the government asking why he was being paid without being given proper work. His career also saw setbacks, including being denied promotion to the post of chief secretary. In 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed his plea challenging that decision.

Apart from his government role, Swamy has also been active in academics and writing. He holds a PhD in law and has written more than 30 books.

He has also received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his work. His achievements outside administration have added to the interest around his life story.

Raju Narayana Swamy was my classmate in IIT Madras. He also had a very high rank in IIT JEE 1985, my recollection was AIR 10 and he came from small town Kerala and most top rankers were from the big cities so he stood out.

Most of our classmates – including me – went abroad. He… https://t.co/Fg5JvN7Ufj

— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) April 22, 2026

Social Media Reacts To His Journey

Many people online reacted to Vembu’s post and shared their thoughts. “Staying rooted and serving one’s own country is the definition of true success. Personalities like Raju Narayana Swamy ji and your heartfelt appreciation for him are both a great inspiration for today’s generation. An incredible blend of simplicity and brilliance,” a user wrote.

Another shared, “Thank you for sharing this. It reminds me of my uncle, an IITian from that same 70s generation who also chose to stay. He used to preach a simple discipline: keep doing the same thing until it becomes a default practice.”

A comment read, “A perfect example of sacrificing own life for the nation. Had someone less intellectually competent been occupying his chair, hundreds of crores of public funds would have been looted. India needs such civil servants not the arrogant power drunk ones.”

Someone else added, “We need folks like him in mainstream politics. Hope he gives a serious consideration to this.”

Another user said, “Great man who wanted to serve his country. Not many people are willing to leave opportunity for green pastures & serve the motherland.”