Overview

• She was serving as secretary of the state Energy Department and had been on long leave for treatment, a family member said.
• Her mortal remains were placed for public homage at her Kottivakkam residence on the East Coast Road.
• Venkatesan gained wide public recognition as Health Secretary during the COVID-19 crisis.
• A 1997-batch IAS officer and medical doctor, she completed her MBBS at Madras Medical College before joining the civil services.
• She is survived by two daughters and was the daughter of former DGP L. N. Venkatesan and former legislator Rani Venkatesan.