K Jayakumar prioritises smooth conduct of Sabarimala pilgrimage season after taking over as TDB chief

Thiruvananthapuram: Former Kerala chief secretary K Jayakumar, who is set to assume charge as the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president, said on Saturday that his immediate focus would be ensuring the smooth conduct of the Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, beginning November 17.

Jayakumar, a retired IAS officer, said he was informed about his selection for the post by Devaswom minister VN Vasavan on Friday in Thrissur. “The formal order is expected by Monday as today is a holiday,” he told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.

Responding to questions on whether heading the TDB would be a “crown of thorns” due to past controversies, including the Sabarimala gold loss case, Jayakumar said, “Not all crowns have thorns. It depends on how you wear it.”

Calling his appointment “unexpected” and the timing “odd,” Jayakumar said the new responsibility comes just days before the start of the crucial two-month pilgrimage season. “The outgoing board would have already made arrangements for the season. My priority will be to ensure those plans are effectively implemented so that devotees have a smooth and fulfilling experience,” he added.

While refraining from commenting on the ongoing gold controversy, the incoming TDB president said he would take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future, noting that corrective measures would be implemented “gradually.”

Jayakumar also highlighted that apart from Sabarimala, the Travancore Devaswom Board manages several other temples, and their administration will receive equal attention. “After taking charge, I will identify and strengthen weak areas in the system. My goal is to establish an efficient, professional, and accountable administration that serves the devotees effectively,” he said.

Before retiring as Kerala’s chief secretary, Jayakumar had served as Devaswom special commissioner at Sabarimala for a year. He later became the founding vice-chancellor of Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University.

(with inputs from agencies)