KTS
Indian Army Officer

Kershasp Tehmurasp Satarawala

Born 15 February 1916 · verify — Died 20 August 2001

Serving as Governor of Punjab during a critical period in 1984-1985.

Kershasp Tehmurasp Satarawala (1916–2001) was an Indian civil servant belonging to the Indian Administrative Service, who served as: Lt. Governor of Goa, Daman & Diu & Dadra & Nagar Havelli (1983-1984), Governor of Punjab (1984-1985), Ambassador of India to Mexico, Guatemala & El Salvador (1985-1988). He was a recipient of the honor of Burma Star. The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 1983, for his contributions to society.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Before joining the Indian Administrative Service in 1947, Kershasp Satarawala served as a Major in the Indian Army and was awarded the Burma Star for his service during World War II.

The Story

1
🌟 In 1916, Kershasp Tehmurasp Satarawala was born in Satara, Maharashtra, and by 1937 had graduated from Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune, a foundation that led him through postgraduation in Lahore and Quetta’s Command and Staff College.
2
In 1947, after serving as a Major in the Indian Army, he took the bold step to join the Indian Administrative Service at the dawn of independent India, marking a transition from military to civil service.
3Between 1967 and 1971, he chaired Indian Airlines as Managing Director, overseeing a critical period in India's civil aviation history when the sector was expanding under government control.
4🎖️ Awarded the Burma Star for his military service, Satarawala later earned the Padma Bhushan in 1983, a rare civilian honor for a civil servant, reflecting his wide-ranging impact on Indian governance.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Param Vishisht Seva Medal

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1982, Satarawala was appointed Vice Chairman and Coordinator of the IX Asian Games in New Delhi, a massive event that involved organizing thousands of athletes and was seen as a test of India's international event management capabilities.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Satara, Maharashtra
Kershasp Tehmurasp Satarawala was born to Tehmurasp Pirosha Satarawala and Meherbai Chiber in Satara, a city in western India.
1916
📚
Education
Graduated from Nowrosjee Wadia College
Completed his undergraduate studies at Nowrosjee Wadia College in Pune, setting the stage for advanced education in Lahore and Quetta.
1937
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Career
Joined Indian Administrative Service
After serving as a Major in the Indian Army, he joined the IAS in the year India gained independence.
1947
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Career
Became MD & Chairman of Indian Airlines
Oversaw Indian Airlines during a crucial phase from 1967 to 1971, influencing the national carrier’s policies and growth.
1967
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Career
Vice Chairman, IX Asian Games
Coordinated the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi, one of Asia’s largest sporting events of the decade.
1982
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Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received India’s third highest civilian award in recognition of his service to the nation.
1983
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Career
Appointed Governor of Punjab
Took office as the 18th Governor during a politically charged period in Punjab’s history.
1984
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Career
Became Ambassador to Mexico and others
Served as India’s ambassador to Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador until 1988, expanding India's diplomatic ties in Latin America.
1985
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Death
Died in Pune
Passed away at age 85 in Pune, leaving behind a legacy spanning military, civil service, and diplomacy.
2001
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Satarawala served as Ambassador to three countries simultaneously—Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador—from 1985 to 1988, illustrating India's diplomatic reach in Latin America during the Cold War.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

He was a founding member of the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage, showing his engagement beyond administration into cultural preservation.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Satarawala chaired the boards of major public companies such as Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals and Indian Oil Corporation, linking his administrative expertise with India’s industrial sectors.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Satarawala's leadership in civil aviation as Managing Director of Indian Airlines influenced the expansion and modernization of India's national carrier during the late 1960s. His coordination of the 1982 Asian Games helped establish India's capacity to host large international sporting events, boosting national pride and infrastructure. His gubernatorial roles during turbulent times in Punjab and Goa reflected an administrative steadiness that helped navigate periods of political unrest.

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