RKT
Indian civil servant

R. K. Trivedi

Born 1 January 1921 · verify — Died 19 November 2015

Oversaw the 1984 Indian general elections as Chief Election Commissioner.

Ram Krishna Trivedi was an Indian Civil Servant who was Governor of Gujarat from 26 February 1986 to 2 May 1990. Mr. Trivedi also served as Chief Election Commissioner of India from 18 June 1982 to 31 December 1985. He was a recipient of the third highest Indian civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan.

✨

A detail that
surprised us

“

R. K. Trivedi was born in Myingyan, Myanmar (then Burma) in 1921 before joining the Indian Civil Service in 1943, a rare example of a civil servant bridging colonial and independent India.

The Story

1
In 1943, R. K. Trivedi entered the Indian Civil Service after studies at University of Yangon and University of Lucknow, marking the start of a 36-year administrative career spanning central and Uttar Pradesh governments.
2
🌍 Between 1982 and 1985, as Chief Election Commissioner, he supervised the colossal 1984 Indian general election, among the world's largest democratic exercises.
3Before retiring in 1979, Trivedi was Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, shaping civil service policies at the highest level.
4🏛️ From 1986 to 1990, he served as Governor of Gujarat, overseeing a politically turbulent period in the state’s history.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

Despite being an Indian civil servant, R. K. Trivedi was born in Myingyan, Myanmar, and studied at the University of Yangon before moving to India for further education.

📸 Through the Years

📷

No photos yet

Help preserve history — add a photo of this icon

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Myingyan, Myanmar
Ram Krishna Trivedi was born in British Burma, a detail unusual for Indian civil servants of his generation.
1921
⚡
Career
Joined Indian Civil Service
After studies at University of Yangon and University of Lucknow, he entered the ICS, beginning his administrative career.
1943
⚡
Career
Superannuated as Secretary, Govt. of India
He retired from the top civil post in the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
1979
⚡
Career
Appointed Central Vigilance Commissioner
He served as the anti-corruption watchdog of India until 1982.
1980
⚡
Career
Became Chief Election Commissioner
He took charge as the head of the Election Commission of India, overseeing major elections.
1982
⚡
Career
Oversaw 1984 General Elections
Managed the largest democratic election in the world amidst national turmoil after Indira Gandhi's assassination.
1984
⚡
Career
Appointed Governor of Gujarat
He served as Governor until 1990, navigating a politically sensitive period in the state.
1986
🕊️
Death
Passed away
R. K. Trivedi died, closing the chapter on a life spanning colonial Burma to independent India’s highest civil offices.
2015
More moments to come...
+ Add a moment

🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He played a role in drafting India’s 5th Five Year Plan while working at the Planning Commission, directly influencing economic strategy in the early 1970s.

02 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Between 1980 and 1982, Trivedi served as Central Vigilance Commissioner before becoming Chief Election Commissioner, overseeing anti-corruption measures at the national level.

03 / 04
👤PERSONAL

He was Vice Chancellor of Bundelkhand University for a period, reflecting his engagement with higher education administration beyond civil service.

No quote recorded for R. K. Trivedi yet.

🌱 What changed because of them

Trivedi’s stewardship as Chief Election Commissioner during the 1984 general elections ensured the conduct of India’s largest electoral exercise amidst challenging circumstances, reinforcing electoral integrity. His tenure as Secretary of Personnel and Administrative Reforms influenced civil service recruitment and administrative reforms that continue to impact governance structures. His leadership roles in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat shaped regional governance during formative years of India’s state administration.

💬 Social Buzz

💬

What are people saying about R. K. Trivedi?

Share posts from historians, journalists and notable voices about this icon. 🇮🇳

💭 Memories & Tributes

Share your memory of R. K. Trivedi...
Loading memories...
Is this profile accurate?