It’s difficult to believe that we have government officers like Madurai collector U. Sagayam, of whom Mahatma Gandhi could have been proud (Under a Dangerous Motto).

C.S. Padmanabhan, Waltham

Any city in which Mr Sagayam has served—or been allowed to serve—for more than a year will testify not only to his incorruptibility but also his impressive administrative skills.

Siva Chinnasamy, Boston, US

Sagayam says his parents taught him not to take what was not rightfully his. The way one is taught in childhood, one puts into practice. It may be difficult to make both ends meet, but it gives one the satisfaction of being sure that one will be able to meet the mightiest without blinking an eye.

Syed G. Jilanee, Karachi

You mention Sagayam’s motto as: ‘Lanjam Thavirtthu, Nenjam Namartthu’. It should be ‘Lanjam Thavirtthu, Nenjam Nimirtthu’.

Anand, Chennai

The article on Sagayam should be translated and published in as many Indian magazines as possible.

Ram Srinivasan, Los Altos

More power to people like Mr Sagayam.

Vikram Lodha, Dubai, UAE

It’s so sad that an IAS officer who does not take bribes is such a rarity that he becomes the subject of an article.

S.R. Sunder, Austin, Texas

We need more articles about such honest people. They are role models for our youth. Hats off, Mr Sagayam.

D.L. Narayan, Visakhapatnam

Eighteen transfers in 20 years! You have guts, Mr Sagayam!

Abbas, Kuwait

 Good to hear about a honest Govt official. Not only officials, every individuals can contribute against corruption. Stop bribing, corruption will stop.
Even people who have good money also hesitate to pay the fine/penalty for small incidents like violating stoplight, over speeding, etc. Instead of paying the fine, people try to use their influence\power or bribe little money. Even a paisa bribing also counts against corruption.

The real follower of King Maker --- He is the ONE MAN ARMY .... ( let Kamarajars dream come true )

wow , some gud news to be read at last !!!!

I have heard a lot about Mr.Sagayam from my father S.K.Vel,advocate of Namakkal and he's always advised me to become an honest officer like him.Very nice to read this article about him and his undying honesty.I wish you could have written more about this excellent person as he is a good source of inspiration for the future generations!

"Thaaiyai pola pillai,noolai pola sailai" - this proverb aptly suits Mr.Sagayam who's learnt a lot from his mother.If all the IAS officers in India follow his footstep,our country would be a much better place to live in!

 Salutes to Sagayam.

 Hats off to this Gentalman. Very few and far in between seen these days. Is it possible to have his mail ID or addres to Congratuate him?

Dr. Ambekar.

 Similar to Anwaar's comment #26, I feel if IAS officer can be so impoverished for denying bribes than we have deeper problems than corruption.

I would rather that people not try to be hero like him and provide for their family adequately. 

I do commend what he is doing but I am annoyed by this Indian piety about self-sacrifice to a ridiculous extent.

 Mr. Sagayam is famous, liked and respected not just for his honesty and courage, but also impressive administrative talent. Any city where he served for more than a year will testify to that. He really implemented all the welfare schemes efficiently and created several innovative schemes. Many did not know a district collector can do so much without political backing. When politicians try to do anything crimilan against him, thousands of people instantaneously strike as seen in Namakkal and politicians make a hasty retreat to avoid embarassment. I have heard a lot of good things about his service in Namakkal from a college professor there.

I find an endorsement here to my blief that the way one is "born and taught" has a great deal to do with his outlook on corruption. I have practiced it and in this story I feel vindicated. It may be difficult sometimes to make both ends meet, but the satisfaction it gives to be able to look straight into the eyes of the mightiest without blinking more than makes up for the loss ofmany luxurues. God bless him and may there be more like him.      

 # 37 Thomas

He is a christian, no doubt

India needs silent crusaders like these who live out their convictions thus creating an impact around them. A far cry from the theatrics used by many so called 'activisits' these days.  

NOTE that Except for Sagayam, all the other heroines in her article - his daughter, wife, mother etc., are females.

While the villains - biker, politician, errant son, etc., are males.

Perfect negative male stereotyping, even while giving credit to an honest officer! When will this gender-casteism ever go away?

 Dear Pushpa, as Anand pointed out your spelling and translation is incorrect about the board that hangs in his office... 

What a great man! May God bless him and his family and protect them. Please translate this article for publishing in many other newspapers and magazines around the country so that others can be inspired by Mr.Sagayam.

There a correction of the Tamglish word above .. its Nenjai/Nenchai Nimirththu or Nenjam Nimirththu, Yon copy this in this website to see if the board had the correct tamil letters   http://www.vengayam.net/tamil/trans/

"By refusing to take bribes, the Madurai collector has earned 18 transfers in 20 years"

:) Not bad.  While people pay bribe to get transfers, he has got them FREE !!!

# 28

Quite correct. 

The media has an agenda - to defame the DMK at all costs, while praising JJ to the level of 'Goddess'.

It is unlikely that sane comments are welcomed to be published by the editor. They will be 'disfigured' entirely in the name of editing, even if it makes it. 

There are several examples of honest officers, who could never survive the onslaught of political forces - Chandrchoodan is an example, remembered for long because she is a female. 

And yet, here is a gender-casteist journalist, who informs non-thining readers, that a simple bureacrat had survived political pressure ( that too from a "goon" like Azhagiri )

Clearly, this article has been written to misinform, rather than to give readers a complete picture.

it is difficult to believe that there is one someone like him in today's India. Mahatma Gandhi will be proud of him. There  is some hope for India.

 My Collector is the best !!! Brave, Smart..Tough..Generous..Honest..................

Mr. Sagayam is a honest IAS officer but so are/were few other officers. For example, Senior IAS officer Chandra Lekha (now in Swamy's Janata party) refused to sign for few multi thousand core scam projects of Jeyalalitha and was attacked on her face with acid by Jaya's goons. This is just one example. But Iyers, Iyengars and other Amma supporters will not talk about those officers because they stood up against Jeyalalitha. IF YOU ARE PARTISAN AND NOT HONEST EVEN WHILE APPRECIATING HONESTY IN PUBLIC LIFE, YOU ARE NO DIFFERENT FROM THE CORRUPT POLITICIANS!!

Kudos, to you Mr Sagayam !

May your tribe of honests officers grow in numbers and shine.India needs such officers with courage and integrity. Our best wishes are with you. So should be Daivam.

The article says, " when his baby daughter, Yalini, who had breathing problems, was suddenly taken ill, he did not have the Rs 5,000 needed for admitting her to a private hospital."

The question naturally arises; how much does a district collector get paid?

Now this is one guy whom we should call Real PM-in-Waiting! Awesome!!!

"Reject bribes, hold your head high".

"Standing up against corruption is not for a season. Nor is it a fad. It’s forever."

“But my mother made me throw the mangoes away, saying I should enjoy only what is mine.”

(Mr. Sagayam should be the norm, not an exception. Let us hope it happens someday.)

Mr. Sagayam is indeed the rarest of that rare breed. The worry is how far the thugs/criminals masquerading as politicians/leaders, and the rest of the corrupted bureaucracy will allow him to go. He has made some powerful enemies for being the exception when corruption is the only rule.
His hand has to be strengthened by the social machinery and, accomplishments periodically highlighted by the honest press, so that any effort to undermine him, is exposed before the full vigilance of the general public. This will help in thwarting any malicious and inimical efforts to silence him.
His efforts have to be nurtured and encouraged, and set as an example for others of his kind, and here in lies the Eternal Hope.

Mr. Sagayam, Kudos to what you have bravely done so far, and we fully support you to do more of the same.

 Good motivating article, rarely published in Indian press.This deserves to be the cover story. We in Tamil Nadu knows how he feced the mighty DMK during the recent assembly elections.Out should cover one up right Bureaucrat/week which be the motivate the younger generation.

Well done collector.Keep it up and we are with you.

 Awesome! The manner in which Mr Sagayam has broken the pride of a ruffian and thug like Azhagiri is remarkable. We need such men in the CVC's office to clean up the Lazy Incompetent Sardar's government. 

In times of such gloom kudos to Outlook for bringing such heart warming stories....More power to people like Mr.Sagayam.

With officers like Mr. Sagayam we won't need the Lokpal. No wonder the political parties have a vested interest in scuttling the legislation.

18 transfer in 20 years. Man you have guts. I am your FAN now.I would like to get in touch with him. Does he has profile on any in soical networking site.

We need more such articles about such upright people.  They are the real role models for the youth of the country. Hats off to you Mr. Sagayam.

However, as is usual with Ms. Iyengar, there are factual errors. How can dredging a river bank make the area prone to floods? Pray, enlighten me, madam.

Pusphas article praising Sagayam, and her hatred for Azhagiri dont match.

If indeed Azhagiri was so notorious, how come he LET Sagayam be an honest collector of his personal fiefdom, when the whole state machinery belonged to him? Honesty ( and corruption ) in the bureacracy cannot exist in a vacuum in isolation.

Will Outlook tell us the REAL story, please?

Kudos to Mr.Sagayam.As long as there are people like him I will not loose faith in India

Rare Indian jewels, please preserve them.

 I am very proud of the District Collector. He is a role model for all Officials. We should have such Officials in administration. Then only we will have a good governance.I salute you, Sir. 

Congrats to Outlook for having published an article of this kind.

 Jaye Ho, Sagayam! We need more of you. We are proud of such honest and humble people.

Mr. Sagayam.

I salute you  sir. 

              The Officer of such rare breed are extinct these days...!! the poloticians who are accustomed to see the public/govt. servant kowtowing before them must be taken by surprise that how  it could gappen these days, when the country is grappling with the army of corrupt officer found ubiquitiously & even a birth certifictificate is difcult to get without graft.

The officers like this one are proud of the nation.

 Sharma Umashankar,

Shillong.

There used to be a public service message on television :

"Hindustan ko aap par Fakr hai"

"Hame Hindustani banne mein Naaz hai"

Mr.Sagayam, may your tribe increase.

Thank you Mr U. Sagayam for being an example.
Thank you Outlook for showing that example.

Are we talking about a future Jan Lokpal?
Dreaming ...... can I?
:)

Stunning that he has lasted so long ... and sad that an IAS officer who does not take bribes is seen to be such a rarity that he becomes the subject of an article.  We take corruption in the bureaucracy so much for granted that someone who refuses to be corrupted is seen to be a circus oddity.

This is a man who sees public service as a calling, not an opportunity for looting.  What a concept!

May his tribe flourish!

Sagayam stands out like an oasis in a vast desert!

Actually, the credit must be SHARED ( at least ) with his political bosses, of which this article makes no mention.

In the REAL world ( as oposed to Puspas ), it is the POLITICAL drive that demorlises the bureacrats, since all postings involve money.

A ray of hope in a ocean of stench.... We are proud of your honesty and hardwork despite the many odds against your impeccable integrity....For having taken cabinet (criminal)minister Azhagiri  head on in Madurai when Azhagiri's father was CM of Tamil Nadu, you should be awarded Nobel prize for BRAVERY... Now you are qualified to hold the highest democratic office not only in India but around the world.... Today we find honest men like Obama or Dr MMS... but we rarely find honest men, who actually lead by example and boldy face adversaries and take tough decisions... 

We salute you for your exemplarary work and wish you the very best going forward...

It is a pleasure to read about a public official with such integrity. Thank you, Mr. Sagayam.

It is a pleasure to read about a public official with such integrity. Thank you, Mr. Sagayam.

A ray of hope in a ocean of stench.... We are proud of your honesty and hardwork despite the many odds against your impeccable integrity....For having taken cabinet (criminal)minister Azhagiri  head on in Madurai when Azhagiri's father was CM of Tamil Nadu, you should be awarded Nobel prize for BRAVERY... Now you are qualified to hold the highest democratic office not only in India but around the world.... Today we find honest men like Obama or Dr MMS... but we rarely find honest men, who actually lead by example and boldy face adversaries and take tough decisions... 

We salute you for your exemplarary work and wish you the very best going forward...

Actually, the credit must be SHARED ( at least ) with his political bosses, of which this article makes no mention.

In the REAL world ( as oposed to Puspas ), it is the POLITICAL drive that demorlises the bureacrats, since all postings involve money.

Sagayam stands out like an oasis in a vast desert!

Stunning that he has lasted so long ... and sad that an IAS officer who does not take bribes is seen to be such a rarity that he becomes the subject of an article.  We take corruption in the bureaucracy so much for granted that someone who refuses to be corrupted is seen to be a circus oddity.

This is a man who sees public service as a calling, not an opportunity for looting.  What a concept!

May his tribe flourish!

Thank you Mr U. Sagayam for being an example.
Thank you Outlook for showing that example.

Are we talking about a future Jan Lokpal?
Dreaming ...... can I?
:)

There used to be a public service message on television :

"Hindustan ko aap par Fakr hai"

"Hame Hindustani banne mein Naaz hai"

Mr.Sagayam, may your tribe increase.

              The Officer of such rare breed are extinct these days...!! the poloticians who are accustomed to see the public/govt. servant kowtowing before them must be taken by surprise that how  it could gappen these days, when the country is grappling with the army of corrupt officer found ubiquitiously & even a birth certifictificate is difcult to get without graft.

The officers like this one are proud of the nation.

 Sharma Umashankar,

Shillong.

Mr. Sagayam.

I salute you  sir. 

 Jaye Ho, Sagayam! We need more of you. We are proud of such honest and humble people.

 I am very proud of the District Collector. He is a role model for all Officials. We should have such Officials in administration. Then only we will have a good governance.I salute you, Sir. 

Congrats to Outlook for having published an article of this kind.

Rare Indian jewels, please preserve them.

Kudos to Mr.Sagayam.As long as there are people like him I will not loose faith in India

Pusphas article praising Sagayam, and her hatred for Azhagiri dont match.

If indeed Azhagiri was so notorious, how come he LET Sagayam be an honest collector of his personal fiefdom, when the whole state machinery belonged to him? Honesty ( and corruption ) in the bureacracy cannot exist in a vacuum in isolation.

Will Outlook tell us the REAL story, please?

We need more such articles about such upright people.  They are the real role models for the youth of the country. Hats off to you Mr. Sagayam.

However, as is usual with Ms. Iyengar, there are factual errors. How can dredging a river bank make the area prone to floods? Pray, enlighten me, madam.

18 transfer in 20 years. Man you have guts. I am your FAN now.I would like to get in touch with him. Does he has profile on any in soical networking site.

With officers like Mr. Sagayam we won't need the Lokpal. No wonder the political parties have a vested interest in scuttling the legislation.

In times of such gloom kudos to Outlook for bringing such heart warming stories....More power to people like Mr.Sagayam.

 Awesome! The manner in which Mr Sagayam has broken the pride of a ruffian and thug like Azhagiri is remarkable. We need such men in the CVC's office to clean up the Lazy Incompetent Sardar's government. 

Well done collector.Keep it up and we are with you.

 Good motivating article, rarely published in Indian press.This deserves to be the cover story. We in Tamil Nadu knows how he feced the mighty DMK during the recent assembly elections.Out should cover one up right Bureaucrat/week which be the motivate the younger generation.

Mr. Sagayam is indeed the rarest of that rare breed. The worry is how far the thugs/criminals masquerading as politicians/leaders, and the rest of the corrupted bureaucracy will allow him to go. He has made some powerful enemies for being the exception when corruption is the only rule.
His hand has to be strengthened by the social machinery and, accomplishments periodically highlighted by the honest press, so that any effort to undermine him, is exposed before the full vigilance of the general public. This will help in thwarting any malicious and inimical efforts to silence him.
His efforts have to be nurtured and encouraged, and set as an example for others of his kind, and here in lies the Eternal Hope.

Mr. Sagayam, Kudos to what you have bravely done so far, and we fully support you to do more of the same.

"Reject bribes, hold your head high".

"Standing up against corruption is not for a season. Nor is it a fad. It’s forever."

“But my mother made me throw the mangoes away, saying I should enjoy only what is mine.”

(Mr. Sagayam should be the norm, not an exception. Let us hope it happens someday.)

Now this is one guy whom we should call Real PM-in-Waiting! Awesome!!!

The article says, " when his baby daughter, Yalini, who had breathing problems, was suddenly taken ill, he did not have the Rs 5,000 needed for admitting her to a private hospital."

The question naturally arises; how much does a district collector get paid?

Kudos, to you Mr Sagayam !

May your tribe of honests officers grow in numbers and shine.India needs such officers with courage and integrity. Our best wishes are with you. So should be Daivam.

Mr. Sagayam is a honest IAS officer but so are/were few other officers. For example, Senior IAS officer Chandra Lekha (now in Swamy's Janata party) refused to sign for few multi thousand core scam projects of Jeyalalitha and was attacked on her face with acid by Jaya's goons. This is just one example. But Iyers, Iyengars and other Amma supporters will not talk about those officers because they stood up against Jeyalalitha. IF YOU ARE PARTISAN AND NOT HONEST EVEN WHILE APPRECIATING HONESTY IN PUBLIC LIFE, YOU ARE NO DIFFERENT FROM THE CORRUPT POLITICIANS!!

 My Collector is the best !!! Brave, Smart..Tough..Generous..Honest..................

it is difficult to believe that there is one someone like him in today's India. Mahatma Gandhi will be proud of him. There  is some hope for India.

# 28

Quite correct. 

The media has an agenda - to defame the DMK at all costs, while praising JJ to the level of 'Goddess'.

It is unlikely that sane comments are welcomed to be published by the editor. They will be 'disfigured' entirely in the name of editing, even if it makes it. 

There are several examples of honest officers, who could never survive the onslaught of political forces - Chandrchoodan is an example, remembered for long because she is a female. 

And yet, here is a gender-casteist journalist, who informs non-thining readers, that a simple bureacrat had survived political pressure ( that too from a "goon" like Azhagiri )

Clearly, this article has been written to misinform, rather than to give readers a complete picture.

"By refusing to take bribes, the Madurai collector has earned 18 transfers in 20 years"

:) Not bad.  While people pay bribe to get transfers, he has got them FREE !!!

There a correction of the Tamglish word above .. its Nenjai/Nenchai Nimirththu or Nenjam Nimirththu, Yon copy this in this website to see if the board had the correct tamil letters   http://www.vengayam.net/tamil/trans/

What a great man! May God bless him and his family and protect them. Please translate this article for publishing in many other newspapers and magazines around the country so that others can be inspired by Mr.Sagayam.

 Dear Pushpa, as Anand pointed out your spelling and translation is incorrect about the board that hangs in his office... 

NOTE that Except for Sagayam, all the other heroines in her article - his daughter, wife, mother etc., are females.

While the villains - biker, politician, errant son, etc., are males.

Perfect negative male stereotyping, even while giving credit to an honest officer! When will this gender-casteism ever go away?

India needs silent crusaders like these who live out their convictions thus creating an impact around them. A far cry from the theatrics used by many so called 'activisits' these days.  

 # 37 Thomas

He is a christian, no doubt

I find an endorsement here to my blief that the way one is "born and taught" has a great deal to do with his outlook on corruption. I have practiced it and in this story I feel vindicated. It may be difficult sometimes to make both ends meet, but the satisfaction it gives to be able to look straight into the eyes of the mightiest without blinking more than makes up for the loss ofmany luxurues. God bless him and may there be more like him.      

 Mr. Sagayam is famous, liked and respected not just for his honesty and courage, but also impressive administrative talent. Any city where he served for more than a year will testify to that. He really implemented all the welfare schemes efficiently and created several innovative schemes. Many did not know a district collector can do so much without political backing. When politicians try to do anything crimilan against him, thousands of people instantaneously strike as seen in Namakkal and politicians make a hasty retreat to avoid embarassment. I have heard a lot of good things about his service in Namakkal from a college professor there.

 Similar to Anwaar's comment #26, I feel if IAS officer can be so impoverished for denying bribes than we have deeper problems than corruption.

I would rather that people not try to be hero like him and provide for their family adequately. 

I do commend what he is doing but I am annoyed by this Indian piety about self-sacrifice to a ridiculous extent.

 Hats off to this Gentalman. Very few and far in between seen these days. Is it possible to have his mail ID or addres to Congratuate him?

Dr. Ambekar.

 Salutes to Sagayam.

I have heard a lot about Mr.Sagayam from my father S.K.Vel,advocate of Namakkal and he's always advised me to become an honest officer like him.Very nice to read this article about him and his undying honesty.I wish you could have written more about this excellent person as he is a good source of inspiration for the future generations!

"Thaaiyai pola pillai,noolai pola sailai" - this proverb aptly suits Mr.Sagayam who's learnt a lot from his mother.If all the IAS officers in India follow his footstep,our country would be a much better place to live in!

wow , some gud news to be read at last !!!!

The real follower of King Maker --- He is the ONE MAN ARMY .... ( let Kamarajars dream come true )

 Good to hear about a honest Govt official. Not only officials, every individuals can contribute against corruption. Stop bribing, corruption will stop.
Even people who have good money also hesitate to pay the fine/penalty for small incidents like violating stoplight, over speeding, etc. Instead of paying the fine, people try to use their influence\power or bribe little money. Even a paisa bribing also counts against corruption.