T.S.R. Subramanian grew up in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. He studied at the University of Calcutta, the Imperial College of Science, London and Harvard University. He joined the IAS in 1961. After working in a series of field assignments, he moved into posts in the state secretariat at Lucknow and worked briefly in the commerce and textile ministries of the government in New Delhi. Appointed chief secretary of Uttar Pradesh in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition, he rose to the post of Cabinet Secretary, the highest civil service position in the country and served three prime ministers. He spent five years as a senior advisor in the International Trade Centre, Geneva. He is now retired and enjoys playing golf in his spare time.