MGR’s former Deputy Secretary releases book on his experiences working with the leader

Former Deputy Secretary T. Pichandi's book 'Enakkul Manakkum MGR Ninaivugal' offers insights into his experiences with M.G. Ramachandran.

T. Pichandi, former Deputy Secretary to former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran, has written a book titled ‘Enakkul Manakkum MGR Ninaivugal’, which captures his work experiences and interactions with the late leader.

M.G. Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR, was a towering figure whose influence extended far beyond the worlds of cinema and politics. Mr. Pichandi, a former IAS officer, also held the positions of Secretary for the Highways Department and Secretary for the Public Department, among others.

The book was released by G. Viswanathan, Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), and the first copy was received by R.S. Munirathinam, Founder-Chairman of R.M.K Engineering College.

Recollecting his days working with MGR, Mr. Pichandi said: “I had not seen MGR in person before 1977. I happened to meet him as the Chief Minister in 1977. Subsequently, I got a good opportunity to work with him in 1978. From 1978 until MGR’s death, I had the privilege of being with him.” He added: “I thought about writing a book on him after retiring from government service.”

Mr. Pichandi said he initially gave up on the idea as he felt it would not work out. However, his school and work colleagues encouraged him to write a short book about the former Chief Minister. “I tried to write this book during the COVID-19 pandemic. My experiences with MGR were fresh in my mind. In this book, I have only recorded the events that I witnessed and marvelled at during my time working with him,” he said.