Dr. Jayanti S. Ravi, IAS., (Gujarat Cadre 1991)
Scientist, Civil Servant, Writer, Speaker, Singer, Teacher, and Thinker
Masters in Nuclear Physics, Madras University
Masters in Public Administration, Harvard University
Ph-D in E-Governance
A scientist, civil servant, performing vocalist, administrator, thinker and a widely travelled development practitioner, Dr. Jayanti Ravi entails myriad realms of experience in her multifaceted career. Passion for human development and service to humanity best describes her mission. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Physics from the University of Madras, MPA from Harvard University and a PhD specializing in Technology Enhanced Education, conceptualising a Multiversity from MS University, Baroda. Having authored books, case studies, newspaper articles, published papers in International Journals, she has also guided doctoral students and has been a visiting Faculty at Harvard University. She has authored several books including ‘Sanity in sanitation’ published by Penguin, ‘Symphony of Fraternity’ and ‘Silver Lining: Insights into Gujarat’ published by Orient Blackswan. She has been a column writer with Frontline and the newspaper DNA.
Her professional repertoire includes serving as DDO in Sabarkantha, Collector of Panchmahal, Director of NAC in the Prime Minister’s Office in addition to Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Rural Development – Gujarat. She has championed the Swachch Bharat Mission for Rural Sanitation in the State for two consecutive years. Till recently, she was the Principal Secretary of the Health & Family Welfare Department, Gujarat after being Commissioner, Health for over two years. During her tenure as Principal Secretary, Health, Gujarat’s handling and response to Covid had been appreciated and documented by WHO along with IIM, Ahmedabad and IIPH, Gandhinagar in the Intra Action Review. Under her leadership, with strategic interventions and innovative approaches, the SDG ranking of Gujarat on the Good Health & Well Being (goal 3) as evaluated by NITI Ayog and the United Nations had dramatically improved from the 17th rank nationally in 2018-19 to the 1st rank nationally in 2020-21. She currently works at the Auroville Foundation as the Secretary. She is a devotee of Mother and Sri Aurobindo and has closely worked and been mentored by Prof Kireet Joshi.
Her multidisciplinary, innovative, creative approach with sensitivity and a raised consciousness to problem solving has provided results and outcomes that have successfully worked across various sectors and organisations. With complete faith in the Mother and Sri Aurobindo, she is currently offering her efforts and a sincere aspiration at the lotus feet of the Mother to move towards the manifestation of the Mother’s dream – a city of goodwill and harmony, Auroville.