A few weeks ago, I called a former boss of mine (the then Director General of Police, Kerala) to wish him a happy new year — he is nearing 80 and is not keeping very good health.
This officer was the most draconian disciplinarian to have headed Kerala police. In his presence, tough-as-nails officers would shake in their boots.
Yet, he was absolutely incorruptible, principled, and fair. And most importantly, he had guts.
When facing difficult situations, while most officers would issue verbal orders to avoid direct responsibility, he would issue written orders, signed personally. And the orders would tell you exactly what to do — no generic statements like ‘take action as per law.’
I once went to meet him when a police operation ordered by him was going on to rescue two hostages abducted by some naxalites (tragically, only one survived). I expected him to be in panic. Instead, he was serenely sitting in his office and calmly talked to me like it was any other day at work.
It has been almost two decades since we parted ways — he retired in 2004, and the next year, I left the police force.
Yet, even today, if he gave me an order, I would do it unhesitatingly just as I would have done two decades ago.
It is not easy to earn genuine respect. But if you do it, people will follow you to the gates of hell.
– Rajan