The honest always stand alone a Niyogi Books publications offering of C.G. Somaiah will be launched by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam former President of India on 15 th July 2010 at The India International centre, New Delhi.
Candid and outspoken, C.G. Somiah shares his experiences as an Indian Administrative Officer, from his first posting Orissa as Assistant Collector to the more heady days of fighting terrorism in Punjab, keeping an eye on the country as Home Secretary and Central Vigilance Commissioner and, finally, a six-year tenure as Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
His efforts to stem corruption resulted in a loss of promotion for two years. His colleagues were upset his plight and some of them were of the view that it was not prudent to defy corrupt politicians who can harm one’s career. Somiah, however, heartily disagreed with them.
Speaking straight from the heart, Somiah’s narrative is well-knit and crisply put together. It takes us back to the exciting days of Rajiv Gandhi’s Prime Ministership and gives us a glimpse into the discussions that took place at the highest political level. As its title suggests, The Honest Always Stand Alone marks the journey of a man who always upheld the truth.
C.G. Somiah was the Comptroller and Auditor General of India from 1990 to 1996. He was the first Indian to be elected a member of the United Nations Board of Audit by the UN General Assembly in 1993. In 1995 he became the Chairman of the Board responsible for the audit of the UN, its many agencies across the world and the UN Peace keeping Force.
An enthusiastic tennis player as well as a regular golfer, C.G. Somiah has held many important posts in the Government of India, including Home Secretary and Central Vigilance Commissioner. He lives in Bengaluru with his wife, Indira and still enjoys his game of bridge.