IISSM BOWS To Late Mr. K.N. Prasad

On March 18, 2003, our beloved Chairman, Late Mr. K.N. Prasad, breathed his last at Patna. A massive heart attack took him away from us all of a sudden. For his immense contribution to the IISSM, his erudite and robust leadership and for having steered us through all situations with clear, firm and definite direction, we all bow our heads to him. IISSM will not be IISSM without him. 

Born on January 17, 1923, Mr. Prasad had joined the first batch of the Indian Police Service in 1948 after a brilliant academic career. He had served the Government of Bihar for some time, during the course of which he had authored Bihar Police Commission Report and then served in varied capacities in the Government of India before superannuating in 1981. Recipient of Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Services, and President's Police Medal for Distinguished Services, he had also been conferred the prestigious national award of Padmashree in 1969 for special skill and achievements in dealing with sensitive national security issues. In many ways, however, Mr. Prasad's "second career" after retirement had shown him in still brighter lights. Chairman since the inception of the IISSM, he took a break when for a brief period he was appointed Senior Advisor to the Governor of Assam. Mr. Prasad was also the Chief Advisor to the Security and Intelligence Services (India) Limited since 1986, helping and guiding that organization to be a leading private security agency in the country. 

The IISSM cannot do any thing better but to share with security professionals all over the world some of the sentiments expressed by friends immediately on hearing about the news of his sad demise. This is what some of them have said:

"You say in your message that the IISSM will never be the same without him and indeed it will not, but it will be better for having had the benefit of his leadership for so long, a solid base for others to build upon. His reputation will live on for a great deal of time and in many parts of the world, I am sure."

Graham W.P. Lander, HongKong

"He had the charisma and the divinely inspired power to attract and influence members of IISSM to achieve and progress towards professionalism. I have lost a wonderful friend. However, I will forever remember and cherish his words of wisdom and his memory."

M. Jeyaraj - Singapore

"It's sad for us in Mauritius to learn the sudden death of our beloved chairman, Mr. K.N. Prasad, whom I had the privilege to meet and chat of his glorious days in Mauritius during the sixtees. He is known to us as the Security Advisor of the late father of the nation, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam during the years preceding the independence of Mauritius."

Mauritius Chapter

"Behind his apparently gruff exterior was a warm and generous man. He was an intellectual giant and ensured that he got to know a lot about whatever work he undertook. IISSM was lucky to have him to nurture and guide it during its formative years."

R. Swaminathan, Chennai, India

"I am sure he will be wishing the IISSM even greater success and development in promoting the virtues of safety, security, development and our common humanity - the best tribute we can pay him."

Raj Lakha, U.K.

"We deeply feel the loss and share the grief and bereavement over the sudden demise of late Mr. Prasad. All of us in APSA express our greatest sympathy to IISSM and Mr. Prasad's family. Mr. Prasad had demonstrated high professionalism, dedication and great sacrifice as Chairman of IISSM. We will always have the fondest memories of him close at heart."

Dato' Haji Rahmat Ismail, Malaysia

"The Board of Directors and the Management of Premier Security send their deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his family and pray that the Lord Almighty will grant his soul peace and a place in his heavenly abode. Mr. K.N. Prasad will be sadly missed by all of us but he will always be remembered by us as a good leader who immensely contributed in all his undertakings."

Saraj Din, Singapore

"During the time that I have been privileged to know him I have always admired his dedication, his honesty and always enjoyed his kind and warm friendship. He will be sadly missed."

George Mothers, UK

"Indeed it is a shock to all of us who have known him. Hope we will all, collectively, be able to carry forward the mantle of IISSM to greater heights, with his benevolence, in the years to come."

P.N. Rao, VSM, India