D. R. Mehta, Civil Servant
Civil Servant

D. R. Mehta

Born 25 June 1937 · verify

Led SEBI as chairman, implementing key reforms to regulate India's securities market.

D. R. Mehta is a former chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Mehta is a recipient of Padma Bhushan, one of the highest Indian civilian awards, for his contribution to social causes.

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A detail that
surprised us

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The Jaipur Knee, developed through Mehta's BMVSS with Stanford, was named one of Time magazine's 50 best inventions in 2009.

The Story

1
In 1961, D. R. Mehta joined the Indian Administrative Service, starting his career in Rajasthan where he handled industries, mines, and programs for the poor until 1989.
2
🌍 Between 1992 and 1995, he served as the deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India, overseeing critical monetary policies during a turbulent economic period.
3From 1995 to 2002, Mehta was chairman of SEBI and led reforms that modernized India's capital markets, attracting both domestic and international investors.
4🦾 In 1975, he founded Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) in Jaipur, which has since provided over one million free artificial limbs and aids worldwide.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1975, Mehta founded BMVSS, which has since provided over one million free artificial limbs and aids, becoming the world’s largest organization of its kind.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan
D. R. Mehta was born in Jodhpur and later graduated in arts and law from Rajasthan University.
1937
⚡
Career
Joined Indian Administrative Service
Began career in Rajasthan government, later serving in central government roles.
1961
⚡
Career
Founded BMVSS
Established Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti to provide free prosthetic aids.
1975
⚡
Career
Appointed Deputy Governor of RBI
Served at Reserve Bank of India overseeing monetary policies from 1992 to 1995.
1992
⚡
Career
Became SEBI Chairman
Led securities market reforms until 2002, modernizing India's capital markets.
1995
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Award
Received TECH Museum Award
Awarded for innovation and humanitarian use in Silicon Valley.
2007
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received one of India's highest civilian honors for social contributions.
2008
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

During his SEBI chairmanship (1995–2002), Mehta introduced reforms that turned India’s capital markets into one of the most efficient globally, attracting significant foreign investment.

02 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Mehta studied at the Royal Institute of Public Administration in London and MIT Sloan School of Management, unusual for Indian civil servants of his generation.

03 / 04
💡SURPRISING

The Jaipur Knee, developed under Mehta’s initiative, was recognized as one of the 50 best inventions of 2009 by Time magazine, highlighting a rare blend of philanthropy and innovation.

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🌱 What changed because of them

D. R. Mehta transformed SEBI into a modern regulator that opened Indian capital markets to global investors, fostering economic growth. Simultaneously, his founding of BMVSS pioneered large-scale, free prosthetic care that changed the lives of over one million disabled individuals, linking social service with technological innovation. His work set a model for integrating public administration with impactful social entrepreneurship in India.

💬 Social Buzz

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💭 Memories & Tributes

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