There is nothing new about bureaucrats turning authors. C.G. Somaiah, a retired Indian Administrative Officer based in Bangalore, joins the league with his book “The Honest Always Stand Alone” (Niyogi Books). The former Home Secretary, in this book records experiences as an upright officer who lives by the virtue of honesty. Through his account, beginning from his first posting as an assistant collector in Orissa to the hectic days of fighting terrorism in Punjab as home secretary, Somaiah, tells the reader, how tough it is for an honest officer to survive in a corrupt system. Somaiah in his long career has also served as Central Vigilance Commissioner and had a six-year tenure as Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Speaking straight from the heart, Somiah's narrative takes the readers back to the days, when Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India and gives a glimpse into the discussions that took place at the highest political level. The book was recently released by former President APJ Abdul Kalam, who found the book to be “an amalgamation of integrity and challenge”. Speaking on the occasion, Kalam said that an honest person might face some difficulties but ultimately he becomes a role model for many and thus he never stands alone. The launch was also attended by Abid Hussain (former Member, Planning Commission), Ved Prakash Marwah (former Governor, Manipur, Mizoram and Jharkand) and, Pria Somaiah Alva (author's daughter).
When Ved Marwah was the Police Commissioner of Delhi, the then Home Minister Buta Singh wanted to suspend him for a “security breach” as his official car had “intruded” in the route of the visiting Russian Prime Minister, Somaiah's book claims.
