CBSE Director Found Dead, Leaves Education Fraternity Numb
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On Friday, August 2, 2025, Mahesh D. Dharmadhikari, 57, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Regional Director for the southern zone, was found dead at his Anna Nagar, Chennai, home. Police stated that he died from a sudden heart attack and found no indication of malice. Dharmadhikari, who had been living alone in Chennai, was discovered unconscious by his neighbors. He had not picked up the phone. After emergency services were alerted and reacted to the scene, he was pronounced dead. According to an autopsy, cardiac arrest carried him off after his body was brought to Kilpauk Medical College Hospital. The authorities closed the probe once it was decided to be a natural death. Dharmadhikari, born in Pune, was reported to his family, who should go to Chennai for the cremation. Those near to the family were startled since he had shown no indication of disease recently. Dharmadhikari worked as an education official before being appointed CBSE Regional Director, in charge of operations across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. His honesty, level-headed leadership, and efforts to carry out major changes under the National Education Policy 2020 made him very well-liked. He had also been instrumental in advocating for digital literacy, standardized assessment, and academic testing in the south. A board official said that the death of Shri Mahesh Dharmadhikari was a great loss for the educational system, and the CBSE Delhi branch expressed deep grief at his death. “Shri Mahesh Dharmadhikari was a dedicated and visionary leader whose contribution will be remembered,” a board spokesman noted. Teachers from the area honored his many school visits, training courses, headmaster and teacher assistance, and thanked him for his efforts. Although he was elderly, he was well-known for his approach of accessibility and troubleshooting. Many school heads underlined his direction in improving compliance and academic standards in CBSE-affiliated schools. The CBSE is expected to select an interim official to supervise regional operations. At a critical moment in the school year, Dharmathikari passes away. The board is arranging a possible memorial service and sending a sympathy note. Teachers and neighbors everywhere will miss him greatly. His legacy of transformation, commitment, and service will keep inspiring the CBSE society.
