HCS
Civil Servant

Harish Chandra Sarin

Born 27 May 1914 · verify — Died 27 January 1997

Serving as India's Defence Secretary from 1968 to 1970 and authoring the book Defence and Development.

Harish Chandra Sarin (1914–1997) was an Indian civil servant, writer and the defence secretary of India. He assumed office on 3 November 1968 and held the position until 7 December 1970. He was the author of the book, Defence and Development.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Harish Chandra Sarin cycled over 3000 km across Scandinavia in 1937, an extraordinary feat for an Indian civil servant during that era.

The Story

1
🌍 Born on 27 May 1914 in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, Harish Chandra Sarin entered the Indian Civil Service in 1938 after studying at Cambridge University, marking the start of a 48-year career intertwined with India's post-colonial administration.
2
🚴‍♂️ In 1937, before India’s independence, Sarin embarked on a 3000 km cycling expedition across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, an unusual adventure for an Indian civil servant that reflected his passion for physical endurance and exploration.
3From 3 November 1968 to 7 December 1970, Sarin held the critical position of Defence Secretary of India, extending his tenure beyond retirement age, a testament to his indispensable role during a tense period of defense planning.
4📚 In 1967, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, recognizing his administrative service before he published his book "Defence and Development," linking military preparedness with national progress.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1974
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1993, Sarin received the First Special Award from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, decades after his initial involvement with the organization began, highlighting his enduring influence on Indian mountaineering.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh
Harish Chandra Sarin was born in Deoria, a district in Uttar Pradesh, setting the stage for his future public service career.
1914
🌟
Other
Cycled 3000 km in Scandinavia
Before joining the Indian Civil Service, Sarin undertook a 3000 km cycling expedition across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, reflecting his adventurous spirit.
1937
⚡
Career
Joined Indian Civil Service
Sarin was inducted into the Indian Civil Service, beginning a distinguished career that lasted nearly five decades.
1938
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Vibhushan
The Government of India awarded Sarin the Padma Vibhushan recognizing his contributions to public administration.
1967
⚡
Career
Became Defence Secretary of India
Sarin assumed office as Defence Secretary, a position he held until December 1970, even beyond his retirement age.
1968
🌟
Other
Joined Edmund Hillary’s expedition
At age 63, Sarin was the oldest member of the "From the Ocean to the Sky" Himalayan expedition led by Sir Edmund Hillary.
1977
🏅
Award
Received First Special IMF Award
The Indian Mountaineering Foundation honored Sarin with its First Special Award for his decades-long service to Indian mountaineering.
1993
🕊️
Death
Death in New Delhi
Harish Chandra Sarin passed away in New Delhi, closing a chapter on a life of civil service and mountaineering promotion.
1997
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Sarin was an Honorary Member of prestigious mountaineering clubs worldwide, including the Himalayan Club (Bombay), Alpine Club (London), and Japanese Alpine Club (Tokyo), showing his international stature in the climbing community.

02 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Despite retiring officially, Sarin continued as Defence Secretary beyond retirement age from 1968 to 1970, a rare extension that reflects the government's reliance on his expertise during a complex geopolitical period.

03 / 04
👤PERSONAL

In 1977, Sarin participated in the "From the Ocean to the Sky" expedition led by Sir Edmund Hillary, making him the oldest member of this landmark Himalayan journey.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Sarin's tenure as Defence Secretary coincided with critical years of defense policy formulation that influenced India's military posture post-1965 war. His long-term leadership in mountaineering institutions transformed Himalayan adventure sports infrastructure, inspiring generations of climbers and elevating India's global mountaineering status. The Indian Mountaineering Foundation's growth and India's participation in international expeditions bear his imprint.

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