Who was the first Indian to be chosen as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations?

Introduction / Context:

This question examines knowledge of international organisations and the role of India within them. The Commonwealth of Nations is a political association of countries, many of which were once part of the British Empire. Being selected as Secretary General of the Commonwealth is a high profile diplomatic position. Knowing who first represented India in this role demonstrates awareness of India’s standing in global governance and diplomacy.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The position mentioned is Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
• The question asks specifically for the first Indian chosen for this role.
• Options list several Indian names, some sounding like senior officials or diplomats.
• We assume one of them is the historically correct office holder.

Concept / Approach:

The correct concept is to recall that Kamalesh Sharma, an Indian diplomat, served as Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations. He became the first Indian to hold this post. Other names in the options may resemble real civil servants or public figures, but they are not connected with this particular international office. The method is to connect Kamalesh Sharma with his diplomatic career, including his term as India’s High Commissioner to several countries and his later role in the Commonwealth.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

As a cross check, remember that earlier Secretaries General came from other Commonwealth nations such as Canada, Guyana and New Zealand. Kamalesh Sharma’s tenure marked the first time the post went to an Indian national. None of the other names in the list are recorded in standard references as holding this office. This makes Kamalesh Sharma the only historically accurate answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Krishnamurthy: This is a common Indian name and may refer to different individuals, but no widely known Krishnamurthy has served as Commonwealth Secretary General.

Rakesh Verma: Again, there is no major record of a person by this name holding the top Commonwealth position.

Gopalaswamy: Although it resembles the names of several Indian officials, none of them are credited as Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

M. C. Chagla: A distinguished Indian diplomat and jurist in his own right, but he did not serve as Commonwealth Secretary General.

Common Pitfalls:

Candidates sometimes guess based on how senior or impressive a name sounds rather than relying on specific memory. Long and formal sounding names can feel more official, which leads to wrong choices. Another pitfall is confusing the Commonwealth Secretary General with Indian positions such as Foreign Secretary or Ambassador. Keeping a clear mental list of Indians who led major international organisations helps reduce such confusion.

Final Answer:

The first Indian chosen as Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations was Kamalesh Sharma.