Former governor Govind Narain passes away

Govind Narain, one of the last surviving Indian Civil Service (ICS) officers, who was the home secretary during the 1971 Bangladesh war, passed away last night at his residence, family sources said. He was 94.

Govind Narain, one of the last surviving Indian Civil Service (ICS) officers, who was the home secretary during the 1971 Bangladesh war, passed away Tuesday night at his residence, family sources said. He was 94.

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Narain was born on May 5, 1917 at Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh. He joined the ICS in 1939 and rose to become country's home and defence secretaries.

Narain had worked with several Prime Ministers including Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi. He was appointed Secretary, Defence Production, in 1968 and continued in the post till 1970.

Narain was home secretary from 1971 to 1973 and was a key player in the planning of Bangladesh war and setting up the Mukti Bahini.

In 1973, he moved to the Defence Ministry and continued in the post for two years.

He was Karnataka governor from 1977 to 1983.

Narain was also a recepient of the Padma Vibhushan.

He is survived by two daughters. His grandson Vikram Chandra is a well-known TV journalist.