Love is bliss …! – Gopalan Balachandran, IAS

Some people command respect by virtue of the position they occupy. But there are some, who add respect to the chair they occupy through their exemplary conduct and commendable behavior. Gopalan Balachandran, IAS is one such person, who has added respect to his chair through his distinction.

Kalyanamalai catches up with Mr. Balachandran, IAS for the interview. Though a Tamil, Balachandran has served in many states and has proved himself a real servant of the people through his humanitarian approach and righteousness. ‘Light Foundation’ has so far been honoring VIP couples only from Tamilnadu for their being examples for a happy and long marriage. We now go over to New Delhi to interview Balachandran who has been selected for this honor. He is presently employed as Adviser, Inter State Council, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India at New Delhi. He is known for his duty-consciousness and he discharges all his responsibilities with an ever-green smile on his face!

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Were you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer since your schooldays?

A: Yeah, you are right! When I left school, my Tamil teacher Savarimuthu advised me that I should join administrative service and that I should write the examination for the same. And, my professors Koyil Pillai and Vaidhyanathan also encouraged me and helped me realize my goal. My native place is Ramanathapuram, but we shifted to Sivakasi during the time of my grandfather. But I studied there up to 6th std. only as my father put me in St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School because I was very mischievous! I stayed in the hostel. ‘House is made of bricks; home is made of love’ – this is a 100% true statement. The teachers at this school were full of love and affection for the students. They were particular that not only education but also the food the students take should be of good quality. I can never forget the food served there, it was very good in taste and quality. Those in charge of the hostel would take all efforts to get the best quality provisions and vegetables. They bought ‘appalam’ from Thirupparaythurai since good ‘appalam’ was available only there! At times, I used to get angry with my father for putting me in the hostel. My father would not laugh much, but my mother was just the opposite. She would show equal affection and concern to all her six children.