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{{Short description|Indian police officer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name = M A Ganapathy
| honorific_suffix = [[Indian Police Service|IPS]]
| image = M A Ganapathy.jpg
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1964|03|01|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Kodagu]] (Coorg)
| education = Graduation in [[Economics]]<br />Post Graduation in [[International Studies]]<br />[[LLB]]
| occupation = [[Director General]]<br />[[File:NSG OF-8.svg|20px|NSG OF-8]]
| organization = [[National Security Guard]] (NSG)
| awards = {{ubl|[[Police Medal (India)|Police Medal]] for Meritorious Services (2002) {{Ribbon devices|ribbon=IND Police Medal for Meritorious Service.png|width=50}}|[[President's Police Medal]] for Distinguished Services (2010)[[File:IND President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.svg|50px]]}}
}}
'''M. A. Ganapathy''' (born 1 March 1964) is a retired [[Indian Police Service]] Officer of the 1986 batch of Uttarakhand cadre,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Mandarins is Exclusive News, Views and Analysis News portal on Indian bureaucracy, governance, PSUs and Corporate |url=https://www.indianbureaucracy.com/twenty-six-ips-from-1986-batch-empanelled-as-dg-in-government-of-india/ |access-date=2021-09-24 |website=IndianMandarins |date=10 July 2019 |language=en}}</ref> served as the [[Director General of the National Security Guard]] from 18 March 2021 to 29 February 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MA Ganapathy Takes Charge As Director General Of Counter-Terror Force NSG|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ma-ganapathy-takes-charge-as-director-general-of-counter-terror-force-national-security-guard-2393864|access-date=2021-09-24|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> He has previously served as Director General of [[Bureau of Civil Aviation Security]]<ref>{{Cite web|author=Saurabh Sinha|date=7 Oct 2020|title=Senior IPS officer M A Ganapathy appointed DG of BCAS - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/senior-ips-officer-m-a-ganapathy-appointed-dg-of-bcas/articleshow/78525428.cms|access-date=2021-09-24|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> and [[Director general of police|Director General]] of Police, Uttarakhand.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-05-02|title=M A Ganapathy takes charge as U'khand DGP|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/543850/m-ganapathy-takes-charge-ukhand.html|access-date=2021-09-24|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==

M. A. Ganapathy was born in [[Kodagu district|Kodagu]] (Coorg) district, [[Karnataka]]. He completed his school education in Kodagu. He graduated in [[Economics]] from [[Madras Christian College]], [[Chennai]] (1984) and did his [[Master's degree]] in [[International studies|International Studies]] from [[Jawaharlal Nehru University|Jawahar Lal Nehru University]], [[Delhi]] (1986). He also holds a [[LLB|Degree in Law]] from [[Delhi University|University of Delhi]] (2007).

== Career in Indian Police Service ==

=== Uttar Pradesh ===
M. A. Ganapathy was initially allotted [[Uttar Pradesh]] Cadre and served there between 1987 and 1999. During this period, inter-alia, he worked as Senior/[[Superintendent of police (India)|Superintendent of Police]] in districts like [[Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh|Kanpur City]], [[Meerut]], [[Allahabad]], [[Nainital]], [[Hardoi]], [[Sonebhadra]] etc. The policing challenges in these assignments were varied and included tackling communal issues, city policing, serious crimes investigation, anti-dacoity operations, naxal problem etc.

=== Central Bureau of Investigation ===
M. A. Ganapathy served in the [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] as SP/DIG between 1999 and 2007. During this period, as SP he supervised the enquiry into allegations of [[South Africa cricket match fixing|Cricket match fixing (2000)]], which culminated in action against certain cricketers by the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]]. M A Ganapathy features in a book on Cricket match fixing by sports journalist Ed Hawkins titled ''Bookie, Gambler, Fixer, Spy: A journey into the heart of crickets underworld'' ([[Bloomsbury Publishing|Bloomsbury]], 2012),<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.scribd.com/book/250024230/Bookie-Gambler-Fixer-Spy-A-Journey-to-the-Heart-of-Cricket-s-Underworld|title=Read Bookie Gambler Fixer Spy Online by Ed Hawkins {{!}} Books|language=en}}</ref> where his role as investigator in the cricket match fixing enquiry of CBI in 2000 is discussed in detail. Subsequently, upon promotion, M A Ganapathy was DIG of Anti-Corruption-I, Delhi, which investigates corruption cases.

=== Uttarakhand ===
M. A. Ganapathy was allocated [[Uttarakhand]] cadre after the creation of the new State in 2000. He served there in various capacities as IG Crime/Law & Order, IG Garhwal Range, IG [[Haridwar]] [[Kumbh Mela|Mahakumbh]]-2010, etc. He was appointed as DGP of Uttarakhand in May, 2016 at the age of 53.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/m-a-ganapathy-takes-charge-as-state-dgp/articleshow/52057475.cms|title=M a Ganapathy takes charge as state DGP | Dehradun News - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=30 April 2016 }}</ref> During his tenure as DGP, he focused on rules based policing and also introduced many community policing models based on local needs.

=== Ministry of Home Affairs ===
M. A. Ganapathy served as [[Joint secretary to the Government of India|Joint Secretary]], [[Naxalism|Left Wing Extremism]] and Joint Secretary, Internal Security-I, [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|MHA]], between 2011 and 2016. As JS, LWE, he supervised implementation of projects like fortified police stations, installation of telecom towers, up-gradation of special forces, etc. in LWE affected States. He also formulated the initial draft of the comprehensive policy framework of the Central Government's Counter LWE strategy (National Policy and Action Plan-2015).<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-09-17|title=National Policy and Action Plan on LWE, 2015 - JournalsOfIndia|url=https://journalsofindia.com/national-policy-and-action-plan-on-lwe-2015/|access-date=2021-09-29|language=en-US}}</ref> As Joint Secretary, Internal Security, he was instrumental in drafting the National Security Clearance Policy of MHA (2015).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ptinews.com/news/8602385_MHA-security-nod-to-nearly-3-300-investment-proposals-in-3yrs | title=Pti }}</ref> He also took part in various JWG deliberations on Counter Terrorism and Financial Action Task Force (FATF)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fatf-gafi.org/ |title=Home |website=fatf-gafi.org}}</ref> plenary sessions.

=== Central Industrial Security Force ===
M. A. Ganapathy served as Spl. DG/ADG, Airport Sector, [[Central Industrial Security Force|CISF]], between 2017 and 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsmobile.in/articles/2017/07/13/ips-officer-ma-ganapathy-appointed-cisf-adg/|title = IPS officer MA Ganapathy appointed as CISF ADG | Newsmobile| date=13 July 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indianmandarins.com/news/cisf:-pateria-&-ganapathy-elevated-as-special-dg/19078|title = CISF: Pateria & Ganapathy elevated as Special DG}}</ref> During this period introduction of [[state of the art]] technology in [[aviation security]] became a focus area. Also, steps were initiated to downsize manpower in [[Airport Security]] through rationalization and use of technology. The professional competence of CISF personnel was also up-graded through training collaboration with global leaders in aviation security.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

=== Bureau of Civil Aviation Security ===
M. A. Ganapathy served as DG, [[Bureau of Civil Aviation Security|BCAS]] between 2020 and 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://psuwatch.com/govt-appoints-ma-ganapathy-ips-as-dg-bcas|title = Govt appoints MA Ganapathy (IPS) as DG of BCAS| date=7 October 2020 }}</ref>

=== National Security Guard ===
M. A. Ganapathy was appointed as [[Director General of the National Security Guard|Director General]] of the [[National Security Guard]] on 18 March 2021 and served their till 29 February 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saurabh |date=2024-03-01 |title=IPS Officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary Named NSG's New Director General |url=https://currentaffairs.adda247.com/ips-officer-daljit-singh-chaudhary-named-nsgs-new-director-general/ |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=adda247 |language=en-IN}}</ref>

== Training ==
* National Security and Strategic Affairs, [[National Defence College (India)|National Defence College]], Delhi (2006)
* [[University of Oxford|Oxford University]] Programme on 'Negotiations' (2012)
* [[Harvard University]], [[Harvard Kennedy School|Kennedy School]] Programme on 'Leadership in the 21st century: Chaos, Conflict and Courage (2013)

== Awards/commendations ==

* Police Medal for Meritorious Services (2002).<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://policeservicemedals.gov.in/pmaquery/default.aspx|title=Police Medal Awardees List|website=policeservicemedals.gov.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303202937/https://policeservicemedals.gov.in/pmaquery/default.aspx|archive-date=3 March 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> {{Ribbon devices|ribbon=IND Police Medal for Meritorious Service.png|width=106}}
* President's Police Medal for Distinguished Services (2010).<ref name="auto"/> {{Ribbon devices|ribbon=IND President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service.svg|width=106}}

== Articles and publications ==

* "[https://www.deccanherald.com/content/334655/a-virtuous-process-needed-stop.html A virtuous process needed to stop the evil]" (article on [[cricket match-fixing]]). ''[[Deccan Herald]]''. 25 May 2013.
* "[https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/a-tryst-with-wild-places/article66420823.ece A tryst with wild places: A police officer rates roaming the forests as his best non-professional reward]". ''[[The Hindu]]''. 29 January 2023.
* In the abode of lovely nature. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/in-the-abode-of-lovely-nature/article68725241.ece There is a gentle breeze that blows ever so often from the Kunda Betta and the old trees sway gently, as if in sheer delight. Published - October 13, 2024 02:58 am IST '''M.A. Ganapathy'''
* ‘Networked X-ray machines for baggage checks are the best answer to hoax bomb threats’ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-edit-page/networked-x-ray-machines-for-baggage-checks-are-the-best-answer-to-hoax-bomb-threats/ The ongoing deluge of threats to airlines is unprecedented. Ex-IPS officer '''MA Ganapathy''', who headed NSG, BCAS & airport sector of CISF, tells TOI, tech solutions that can isolate and play back images of flight baggage for review will minimise flight diversions when faced with such threats.
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd3aTdXM1_E NSG ex-chief MA Ganapathy talks about his new book. Ideal cop, beautiful locations, the supernatural"] Former National Security Guard Chief- '''M A Ganapathy''' has written a book called ''''Whisper in the Shadows’''' that chronicles the journey of a police officer, Avinash, and a paranormal twist. In this conversation with '''Bismee Taskin''', Ganapathy sheds light on the facts behind fiction, how Avinash is his alter ego and why he added supernatural elements to his book.3 Feb 2025.
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_8be2QJJxU Exploring the Paranormal with M.A Ganapathy]" A talk with '''M.A.Ganapathy''', Ex NSG Chief about his new book ''''''Whispers in the Shadows: Paranormal Experiences of a Policeman'''''' and about his childhood in Coorg/ Kodagu, in conversation with '''Anindya Somaiah'''.7 Feb 2025
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kmDrb1rFWE The Master Storyteller IPS Officer Leaves Readers Guessing | M A Ganapathy |"] '''MA Ganapathy''', the 1986-batch IPS officer,Ex NSG Chief and former DGP of Uttarakhand talks about his debut book, a compilation of stories: '''''Whispers in the Shadows – Paranormal Encounters Of A Policeman'''''''. 3 Feb 2025
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Lx-353L87U Conducting Haridwar Mahakumbh in 2010 Was More Challenging Than 2025 Mahakumbh M.A Ganapathy,IPS]" '''M.A Ganapathy''',the 1986-batch IPS officer,Ex NSG Chief and former DGP of Uttarakhand discussed how he investigated the match fixing as SP CBI and conducted the '''Haridwar,Mahakumbh''' in 2010 without any untoward incident." 17 Feb 2025
*"[https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/12/14/lst2-book-ganapathy.html Ex-NSG DG Ganapathy pens collection of short stories]" A collection of short stories authored by '''M A Ganapathy''', former Director General of National Security Guard (NSG), is a mix of policing incidents and the paranormal.14 December 2024
*"[https://www.thedailyjagran.com/india/book-review-spirits-in-the-north-block-and-stranger-things-10214196 Spirits In The North Block And Stranger Things!]" The book titled ''''Whispers in the Shadows'''<nowiki/>', by M A GANAPATHY, Ex NSG Chief chronicling the strange escapades of Avinash, the protagonist police officer in the stories is making waves and attracting attention due to the unusual nature of its content. 22 Jan 2025.
*'''Murder mysteries with spooky twists: NSG ex-chief M A Ganapathy’s book treads a road less travelled.''' Unlike cops who describe their achievements by recounting their careers in a book after retirement, M A Ganapathy has chosen to fictionalise his professional experiences. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/murder-mysteries-spooky-twists-nsg-ex-chief-m-a-ganapathys-book-9737553/
*'''Ex-NSG chief debut novel chronicles his brush with the 'supernatural'.''' Retired IPS officer M.A. Ganapathy debuts with 'Whispers in the Shadows,' a collection of paranormal short stories. Drawing inspiration from Ruskin Bond, Ganapathy's tales explore spooky encounters in various settings, from his native Coorg to his alma mater. The protagonist, Avinash, mirrors Ganapathy's own life, narrating chilling, often incredible experiences with the supernatural. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ex-nsg-chief-debut-novel-chronicles-his-brush-with-the-supernatural/articleshow/116322494.cms
*'''‘Whispers in the Shadows’ book review: An unusual-yet-captivating supernatural read that humanises the police.''' Ex-NSG chief M.A. Ganapathy takes the supernatural route in his debut work, ‘Whispers in the Shadows: Paranormal Encounters of a Policeman’. https://www.theweek.in/review/books/2024/12/30/ma-ganapathy-debut-book-Whispers-in-the-Shadows-book-review.html
*'''Whispers in the Shadows: Ex-NSG DG Ganapathy pens short stories on policing, paranormal.''' The stories in "Whispers in the Shadows" relate to adventures of a low-profile and conscientious police officer named Avinash.https://newsmeter.in/lifestyle/whispers-in-the-shadows-ex-nsg-dg-ganapathy-pens-short-stories-on-policing-paranormal-740626

==See also==

* [[Director General of the National Security Guard]]
* [[Jayanta Narayan Choudhury]]
* [[Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary]]

== References ==

{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ganapathy, M. A.}}
[[Category:1964 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian Police Service officers]]
[[Category:People from Kodagu district]]
[[Category:Madras Christian College alumni]]
[[Category:Jawaharlal Nehru University alumni]]
[[Category:Faculty of Law, University of Delhi alumni]]
[[Category:Illegal drug trade in Asia]]
[[Category:Anti-corruption measures in India]]
[[Category:Anti-gambling advocates]]
[[Category:People from Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:People from Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:National Defence College, India alumni]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Oxford]]
[[Category:Harvard Kennedy School alumni]]
[[Category:Indian police chiefs]]

M. A. Ganapathy (police officer) - Revision history

Himanshuucharan: Starting initial data needs work