Service? to the Nation

Book excerpt: P. Sabanayagam was selected to the first batch of the Indian Administrative Service at the dawn of Indian Independence after a career in the Defence Services during World War II. He witnessed and participated in the change of the old guard from the British regime to the birth of the fledgeling nation called India. Service to the Nation chronicles the distinguished service of an individual for whom good governance was sine qua non with good administration, a requisite foundation for nation-building. The memoir documents his contribution in various walks of government, spanning 33 years and his personal anecdotes. A ringside view revealing the working styles, political acumen and political compulsions of historical figures such as Rajaji, Kamaraj, Kalaignar Karunanidhi, Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai, Lal Bahadur Shastri amongst others. The biography is an insightful guide for anyone serving government or for a perspective of the inner workings of the administrative machinery. Starting his service as Sub-collector, Pollachi and thereafter Tellicherry, he held a number of important positions in the State and Center. Among them were Private Secretary to Chief Minister C.Rajagopalachari, Collector (Salem), Director of Industries and Commerce, Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, Joint Secretary Cabinet Secretariat & Steel, Chairman (Tamil Nadu Electricity Board), Chief Secretary (Government of Tamil Nadu), Secretary Education and Culture (Government of India) and Chairman of various Commissions constituted by Government. His contribution to governance is chronicled in this memoir. Post-retirement he continues to actively engage himself in contributing to society in the fields of education, industry and various religious endeavours.