Through the Corridors of Power

Book excerpt: Dr. P.C. Alexander Stands Out As One Of The Most Distinguished And Respected Indians In The Post-Independence Era. He Has Held, With Great Distinction, Several Top Positions In Public Life Both At A National And International Level Over A Period Of More Than Five Decades. The Author Traces The Career Graph As It Developed Over The Years And Highlights Various Incidents That Left An Indelible Mark On His Mind. For Instance, He Recounts His Bitter Experiences During His Interaction With Prime Minister Moraji Desai During The Late 1970S Due To His Principled Stand On Certain Issues. As Principal Secretary To Prime Minister Indira Gandhi And Later To Her Successor, Rajiv Gandhi, During 1981-85, He Played A Crucial Role In The Momentous Developments Of That Period, Such As Operation Blue Star And The Dismissal Of Farooq Abdullah As The Chief Minister Of Jammu And Kashmir. His Tenures As Governor Of Tamil Nadu And Maharashtra Along With The Turbulent Events Of The Time Have Been Described In A Forthright Manner. Throughout His Narrative, Dr. Alexander Highlights How He Tried To Maintain The Highest Standards Of Integrity And Impartiality In All His Dealings In The Service Of The Nation.