Dr. Beela Venkatesan Rajesh, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer known for her role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in Tamil Nadu, passed away on September 24, 2025. She was 56 years old. Born on November 15, 1969, in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, Beela came from a respected family with a strong background in public service. Her mother, Rani Venkatesan, was a senior Congress leader and former MLA, while her father, L. N. Venkatesan, was a retired Director General of Police. Beela was married to Rajesh Das, an IPS officer. She completed her medical degree (MBBS) from Madras Medical College before joining the civil services in 1997,
Early Life And Family Background
Beela Venkatesan was born into a family deeply rooted in serving the public. Her mother played a key political role as a Congress MLA, and her father served as the top police officer in the state, holding the position of Director General of Police. Growing up in such an environment influenced her strong sense of duty and discipline. She spent her childhood and youth in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the Kottivakkam area of Chennai, and later pursued her medical education at the prestigious Madras Medical College [3][5][6].
Education And Career
After finishing her MBBS, Beela did not choose to practice medicine as a doctor. Instead, she decided to write the civil services exam, which she successfully passed in 1997. Her decision to join the IAS was driven by a desire to serve the community on a larger scale. As part of the 1997 batch of IAS officers, Beela initially worked in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand before transferring to Tamil Nadu, where she held various important administrative roles,
Beela Venkatesan IAS Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Husband, Daughter
Career in Civil Service
Beela's career in public service was marked by many significant posts. She worked as the Sub-Collector of Chengalpattu, Commissioner of Fisheries, and later as the Commissioner for Town and Country Planning. Before becoming the Principal Secretary of Health, she served as the Commissioner for Indian Medicine and Homeopathy. Her diverse roles helped her gain broad administrative experience in different fields, which later proved valuable during the health crisis .
Role as Health Secretary
In February 2019, Beela Venkatesan was appointed as the Health Secretary of Tamil Nadu's Department of Health and Family Welfare. This position became very important during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Beela became the public face of Tamil Nadu's fight against the virus. Her medical background and administrative skills helped her lead with calm and clarity, offering data-driven updates during a time filled with fear and confusion.
One of her achievements was initiating the Hospital Management Information System. This project digitized patient data across the state, making health records easier to access and manage. She also played a critical role in reducing dengue cases in Tamil Nadu during the 2019 outbreak by coordinating effective disease control measures.
Personal Life
Beela was married to Rajesh Das, an IPS officer from Odisha. Together, they lived a life dedicated to public service. Her leadership during the pandemic made her a respected figure not only in Tamil Nadu but across India. Her sudden passing due to a brain tumor on September 24, 2025, was deeply mourned by many. She is remembered for her dedication, professionalism, and compassion during some of the most challenging times for public health in India,
In summary, Beela Rajesh's journey from a medical student to a top civil servant reflects her commitment to serving society. Her life and work continue to inspire future generations of civil servants and health professionals in India. Her contributions during the health crisis are particularly significant, and she remains a respected figure in the history of Tamil Nadu's administration and public health