New Delhi, July 2 – Shekhar Dutt, a decorated soldier, distinguished civil servant, and former Governor of Chhattisgarh, passed away in New Delhi on Wednesday. He was 80.
A man of quiet determination and visionary leadership, Dutt served the nation with distinction in both military and civil domains. He was the fourth Governor of Chhattisgarh, assuming office on January 23, 2010, and serving until his resignation on June 18, 2014.
Dutt belonged to the 1969 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Before joining the civil services, he served briefly in the Indian Army as a Short Service Commission officer. His bravery during the 1971 India–Pakistan war, where he served with the 218 Medium Regiment, earned him the prestigious Sena Medal for gallantry.
During his illustrious administrative career, Dutt held several key positions in the Madhya Pradesh government, including Principal Secretary in the Department of Tribal and Scheduled Caste Welfare, and later, in the Departments of School Education, Sports, and Youth Welfare.
At the national level, he made notable contributions as Secretary of the Department of AYUSH in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. As Director General of the Sports Authority of India, he played a pivotal role in the successful conduct of the Afro-Asian Games in Hyderabad in 2003.
In 2005, he reached one of the highest bureaucratic posts in the country as Defence Secretary, Ministry of Defence. After retiring in 2007, he continued to serve the nation as Deputy National Security Advisor, contributing to India’s strategic and security affairs. He was also a patron of the Global Counter-Terrorism Council, underscoring his unwavering commitment to national and global security.
He is survived by his wife, Shusmita Chatterjee Dutt; son, Bhaskar Dutt; daughter-in-law, Hanae Dutt; grandson, Rion Dutt; and granddaughter, Arie Lona.
A life devoted to public service—marked by courage, integrity, and dedication—Shekhar Dutt leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of Indians.
His cremation will be held on Thursday, July 3, at 3:00 PM at Brar Square Crematorium, Delhi Cantonment.
