Shri S. Raghuraman, IRAS 1979

With profound sorrow, it is informed that Shri S. Raghuraman, IRAS of 1979 batch, has passed away. Shri SANJOY MOOKERJEE, IRAS of 1979 batch has shared a message to pay his deepest condolences- "Early morning on the 29th of January, 2024, Shri S. Raghuraman, IRAS of the 1979 batch left us for the heavenly abode. Till the last day, he was hale and hearty. He went to sleep the previous night, never to wake up, leaving his family and friends in a state of shock! Born on 17th of June, 1953, my batchmate Raghu, as we used to fondly call him, superannuated as the Principal Financial Advisor of the Southern Railway. Educated as an electrical engineer, his technical acumen coupled with his financial skills added immense value to the working of the Indian Railways. He has left behind his gracious wife, Mrs Lakshmi Raghuraman and two sons. Raghu was an endearing personality, always jovial and helpful. Wherever he worked, the officers and staff doted on him. Even years later, his conviction in whatever he did and his humane legacy were always admired across railways and departments all over the country, with scores of people having been benefitted by his ever-helping nature. Personally, Raghu was one of my greatest friends. Even after retirement, we spoke to each other once a fortnight over the phone, whether he was in Chennai or in his paternal house at Srirangam. What I shall never forget about him is that he invariably called me up on the 21st of December every year to commemorate the day when we had first met in 1979! Even in December 2023, on that very day he called up to tell me that he had started reading my latest novel, marking the 44th anniversary of our friendship. This only shows Raghu’s warm and affectionate nature. May the Almighty grant my dear friend Raghu eternal peace and give his family the strength to bear his loss.