Chandramani Narayan Swami, the First Woman Collector of Odisha, Passes Away At 81

The first woman collector of Odisha Chandramani Narayan Swami breathed her last on Sunday, 18th October. She passed away at her residence in Bhubaneshwar at around 1:30 pm at the age of 81.

SNSMT (Smt Nandini Satpathy Memorial Trust) tweeted their condolences for Swami.

Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Smt. Chandramani Narayan Swami . She was one of the finest we had in #Odisha from @IASassociation

Team SNSMT pic.twitter.com/xESYZOqKu8

— SNSMT (@SNSMT) October 18, 2020

Swami started her career in September 1964 as an Assistant Collector in Puri district. She served as the ADM (Additional District Magistrate) in Ganjam district later in her life. Narayan Swami was also posted as a Collector in Kalahandi district at one point in her career.

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Swami was a writer as well

Not only was Swami a gold medalist in English and Mathematics during her graduation, but she was a writer, having penned several poems, short stories and novels. In addition to this, she has also translated several poems, short stories and novels into English. On the administrative front, she held various secretary posts, ranging departments like Agriculture, Panchayati Raj and Revenue in the State Government.

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Swami took VRS from service in 1994 due to health complications of her mother and aunt. This was the time she was holding four key posts in the agriculture department.

Swami had made a will to donate her properties to Lord Jagannath in Puri

Swami served in the Central Vigilance Commission for six years on deputation. As far as the General Administration Department is concerned, she served for seven years in various positions. Her tenure had her serving in the Health Department for four years as well.

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Hailing from Kerala, Swami was fluent in Odia. Moreover, she chose Odisha itself as her permanent home during her service. She retired in Odisha and settled there thereafter.

Reportedly, being an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath, Swami had made a will to donate her properties to Lord Jagannath in Puri after her death.

Shikha Chandra is an intern with SheThePeople.TV