Love is bliss …! – Gopalan Balachandran, IAS

Once, my father requested the hostel authorities to give me boiled egg stating that it would give me strength and that it was my favorite too. The authorities, though initially reluctant, eventually agreed and started giving me boiled egg. My teachers told me about this incident at a later date. I realized that my father had equal affection for me as my mother. Both my parents had laid the foundation for the good life I am enjoying today. I studied in Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College in Sivakasi. I did post-graduation in English literature at Madurai University. After finishing college, I worked as a lecturer in English in the government college. And, I worked as an officer in Canara Bank too! But, throughout, my ambition to become an IAS officer was there in my mind. I was successful in my first attempt itself in the civil service examination. I underwent training at Missouri. I was posted at West Bengal.

Q: How was your work experience in West Bangal?

A: : In my experience, I can say that all communists are straightforward people. They respect people belonging to other states too. I can quote an incident. An MLA expressed his displeasure in the West Bengal assembly over government appointments. He said, “Burdwan is an important district. Subramanian, a Tamil is the collector there. The IG of the district belongs to UP. Assistant collector is a Malayali and the DIG is a Rajasthani.” Jyothi Basu, the then chief minister heard him patiently. “The persons you mention are all Indians. What is wrong in their being in these posts? Do not argue like this,” was Basu’s crisp reply! This incident went on to prove how broadminded Basu was. When Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister, I was the collector for Howrah district. I received an application requesting permission for a public meeting to be held on 20 May, 1987, which would be attended by Rajiv Gandhi. But the election was scheduled for 22nd. How can I give permission? I refused on legal grounds. My colleagues asked me why I couldn’t relax the rules when the Prime Minister was involved. As I was simultaneously the election officer too, I couldn’t bend the rules, I said. The news reached the PM’s office. Rajiv Gandhi advanced the meeting to 19th and spoke. The meeting went off well. My friends cautioned me that I might have to face problems because of my strict attitude towards the PM. But, it was the same PMO that promoted me as a cabinet secretary! This only proved Rajiv Gandhi’s magnanimity.