V. Ramachandran, VERIFY
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V. Ramachandran

Born 10 August 1951 · Tamil Nadu

Invented the mirror box to treat phantom limb pain and neurological disorders.

Vilayanur Subramanian Ramachandran is an Indian-American neuroscientist. He is known for his experiments and theories in behavioral neurology, including the invention of the mirror box. Ramachandran is a distinguished professor in UCSD's Department of Psychology, where he is the director of the Center for Brain and Cognition.

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A detail that
surprised us

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V. Ramachandran drafted a report on democratic decentralisation in Kerala that earned him the moniker 'father of democratic decentralisation in India'.

The Story

1
In 1953, V. Ramachandran entered the Indian Administrative Service, beginning a 36-year career impacting Kerala's governance and public sector from district collector to Chief Secretary by 1989.
2
🌏 Between 1980 and 1984, he served as vice-chair of the United Nations Committee on Right to Development, linking Indian administration with global policy on human rights and development.
3After retiring in 1989, Ramachandran was appointed Advisor to the Governor of Tamil Nadu in 1991 amid political turmoil when President's rule was imposed, showcasing trust in his crisis management.
4Back in Kerala, from 1991 to 1996 and again 2001 to 2006, he was vice-chairman of the Kerala State Planning Board, drafting a landmark report on democratic decentralisation that influenced Panchayati Raj reforms.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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🔍 One thing most people don't know

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From 1980 to 1984, Ramachandran was vice-chair of the United Nations Committee on Right to Development, a rare international role for Indian civil servants at that time.

🖼️

Through the Years

2 photographs from the archives
Dr. Vilayanur S. Ramachandran holding the original mirror box used for phantom limb therapy (2012).
Dr. Vilayanur S. Ramachandran holding the original mirror box used for phantom limb therapy (2012).
2012
Neuroscientist Vilayanur S. Ramachandran speaking at ASU SciAPP conference in March 2019.

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Kerala
V. Ramachandran was born in Kerala, India, beginning a life that would intertwine deeply with the state's development.
1931
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Career
Joined Indian Administrative Service
He began his administrative career in the IAS, embarking on decades of service in Kerala and central government roles.
1953
⚡
Career
UN Vice-Chairman appointment
Ramachandran became vice-chair of the UN Committee on Right to Development, linking Indian civil service with international development dialogue.
1980
⚡
Career
Retired as Kerala Chief Secretary
He retired from civil service after serving as Chief Secretary, the highest bureaucratic post in Kerala.
1989
⚡
Career
Advisor to Tamil Nadu Governor
During President's rule in Tamil Nadu, Ramachandran was appointed advisor to the Governor, managing state affairs during political uncertainty.
1991
🌟
Other
President's Rule Ends in Tamil Nadu
With the lifting of President's rule, Ramachandran was relieved from his advisory post in Tamil Nadu and returned to Kerala.
1991
⚡
Career
Vice-Chairman Kerala State Planning Board
He was appointed vice-chairman of the Kerala State Planning Board with cabinet minister rank, influencing state planning policies.
1991
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
The Government of India honored Ramachandran with the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to Indian civil service.
2008
🕊️
Death
Passed away in Kerala
At the time of his death, Ramachandran chaired the Centre for Management Development in Thiruvananthapuram.
2015
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

In 1991, amidst the dismissal of Tamil Nadu's Karunanidhi government, Ramachandran was appointed Advisor to the Governor during President's rule, highlighting his crisis governance role.

02 / 04
💡SURPRISING

The Kerala State Planning Board granted Ramachandran the rank of cabinet minister when he served as its vice-chairman, an unusual status for a bureaucrat.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Ramachandran’s report on democratic decentralisation influenced not only Kerala but inspired other Indian states to adopt participatory planning and Panchayati Raj reforms.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Ramachandran’s report on democratic decentralisation laid the groundwork for Kerala’s pioneering Panchayati Raj system, influencing decentralised governance models across India. His tenure at the Kerala State Planning Board helped institutionalize participatory planning, which strengthened local self-government and enhanced policymaking responsiveness. The administrative frameworks he promoted continue to serve as models for democratic decentralisation nationwide.

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