T.N. Seshan's Trailblazing Memoir

Every era produces its legends, and in the realm of public service, Mr. T.N. Seshan stands as an icon. The corridors of India's political landscape still echo with the resounding impact of his tenure as the chief election commissioner. A tale of a man who wielded authority like a sword, "Through the Broken Glass" chronicles the life and times of Mr. T.N. Seshan, a name etched in the annals of India's democratic history. Appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in 1989, Seshan embarked on a remarkable journey that forever transformed the landscape of electoral politics.

What sets "Through the Broken Glass" apart is its ability to resonate on multiple levels. It is not just an autobiography but a masterclass in leadership, ethics, and the art of transformative governance. Seshan's encounters with political machinations and his unflinching resolve to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process are both inspiring and cautionary. His reflections on the delicate interplay between power and responsibility are timeless, offering wisdom that is as relevant today as it was during his tenure.

From the very first page, his words exude a sense of purpose, beckoning readers to accompany him on his odyssey. The book, much like its title, paints a vivid picture of a life that was both fragile as glass and enduring as steel, illuminated by the brilliance of perseverance.

Tragically, Seshan passed away in 2019 while diligently adding the final touches to this autobiography. He had previously authored two books drawing from his extensive experience: 'The Degeneration of India' and 'A Heart Full of Burden,' both published in 1995. Published four years after his demise, in "Through the Broken Glass," T.N. Seshan has gifted the world a narrative of grit and grace, a chronicle of battles fought not for personal glory, but for the empowerment of a nation. His autobiography is an embodiment of the oft-forgotten truth that behind every great reform lies the untiring effort of a resolute individual.

Seshan takes readers on a transformative journey that transcends eras where he narrates his battles against electoral malpractices, corruption, and political interference. His account of challenging the status quo and introducing groundbreaking reforms such as voter ID cards and expenditure monitoring captures the intense dedication, he had toward safeguarded the democratic process. With meticulous efforts, he elevated the Election Commission to new heights of credibility and visibility.

New era administrators can glean from Seshan's example the importance of upholding principles in the face of external pressures. The narrative underscores the need for administrators to maintain their independence, ethics, and commitment to public welfare, even in challenging situations.

TN Seshan's tenure as the Chief Election Commissioner of India is remembered as an era that saw the resurgence of democracy. His strong leadership instilled both fear and respect in politicians. The review captures how his formidable image was built through a series of calculated measures, from cleaning up electoral rolls to ensuring proper positioning of security forces during elections. He describes specific instances where he resisted pressure from influential politicians to bend the rules in their favour. His narrative captures the tense negotiations, the ethical dilemmas he faced, and the ultimate decision he made to prioritize the sanctity of the electoral process over personal gain. This narrative highlights how Seshan's assertive actions not only elevated the Election Commission's authority but also restored faith in the democratic process.

He was born in Palakkad, Kerala, the sixth child of a lawyer father and a homemaker mother with his  early adulthood appear to be characterized by discipline and determination. His focused approach to studies and his dedication to preparing for the civil services exams reveal the seeds of his future success.

Although his true birthday falls on May 15th, a twist of fate occurred when he was enrolling in school. The headmaster mistakenly noted his birthday as December 15th. As a result, he receives well-wishes from his family on the correct date in May, while the rest of the world celebrates his birthday in December.

Due to his younger age, he found himself eligible only for the Indian Police Service (IPS), rather than the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Impressively, he claimed the top rank in the 1953 IPS examination and was assigned to the 1954 Tamil Nadu Cadre. Interestingly, his brother, T.N. Lakshminarayanan, was already part of the IAS 1944 Tamil Nadu Cadre. Driven by his strong aspiration for the IAS, Seshan turned down the IPS opportunity due to the restriction on IPS trainees taking the IAS exams. The subsequent year, he entered the IAS examination arena, securing the sixth position in the 1955 batch. Notably, his exceptional performance during training propelled him to the second position within his batch.

During his pursuit of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Seshan showcased his diverse interests by selecting five distinct optional subjects for the examination. Notably, he chose two options from the realm of Physics, two from Indian History, and one from British History. The IAS examination structure at that time allocated a maximum of 1850 marks for the written exams, complemented by 400 marks designated for the personal interview segment.

Seshan eloquently highlights the invaluable lessons that horse riding imparts to administrative officers, instilling the unshakable confidence to navigate diverse scenarios. While T.N. Seshan might not have been a masterful jockey, his determination and skill kept him firmly in the saddle, never succumbing to a fall.

His IAS training took place at Metcalfe House in Civil Lines, New Delhi. Interestingly, the IAS training shifted to Charleville Hotel in Mussoorie, a move that occurred in September 1959. This institution was initially named the National Academy of Administration but underwent a renaming in July 1973 to become the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).

The narrative of Seshan's career highlights unexpected twists and turns that shaped his trajectory. His initial decision to pursue the IAS over the IPS, his involvement in astrology, influence of his elder brother, an esteemed IAS officer, and even his reputation as being "aggressive, abrasive, and a bully" are all intriguing facets that contribute to the complexity of his character.  These unexpected elements add depth to his persona, showing that even a remarkable leader like Seshan had layers beyond his public image.

Seshan offers a comprehensive narrative of his stints as Assistant Collector (Training) in Coimbatore, sub-collector in Dindigul, and collector of Madurai district. In 1964, when a catastrophic cyclone swept through Rameshwaram island in the adjacent Ramanathapuram district, Chief Minister K Kamaraj entrusted Seshan with urgent responsibilities. Once again, Seshan demonstrated his remarkable competence and capability in managing critical situations.

Amidst riveting narratives of his roles as sub-collector and collector, the book delves into defining moments that left an indelible mark. Seshan's firsthand account of Sheikh Abdullah's confinement during the Emergency offers a unique perspective on a pivotal period. His revelation of how a seemingly minor lapse – the failure to supply rice to fair price shops – resulted in the Congress party's decades-long absence from power is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary consequences that can stem from ordinary oversights.

He shares the toll that his commitment to reform took on his health and personal life. Seshan's reflections on finding balance amid the demands of public service provide a poignant look into the human side of his journey. Seshan's stint as Director of the State Transport Department marked a turning point. He overhauled a mismanaged and corrupt system, bringing remarkable change. Spending nights at bus depots, he ensured buses were impeccable. His resolute actions, backed by Chief Minister Mr. K Kamaraj, led to even drivers' swift dismissal.

The intriguing episode involving Seshan's use of Dhirubhai Ambani's plane to attend a seer's funeral, accompanied by a cheque of Rs 95,000, offers a glimpse into his character – a man of authority unafraid to acknowledge his actions.

Seshan's clash with MS Gill and GVG Krishnamurthy, fellow election commissioners, is a focal point in the narrative. The power dynamics and the Supreme Court's ruling on the CEC's authority reveal a multi-dimensional individual who, while championing his dictatorial style, recognizes the strength of collaboration when facing monumental decisions. He was also selected to partake in the esteemed year-long Mason Program at Harvard University. He also elaborates on the delay in his empanelment as Joint Secretary to the Government of India, offering insights into his persistent endeavours to follow up with both the Cabinet Secretary and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Throughout the narrative, Seshan grapples with allegations, true and false, including peculiar accounts of black magic. His self-awareness shines as he traverses critiques and character assessments. Quoting a New York Times article, he acknowledges the dual perceptions—admired yet authoritarian, perhaps ego-driven. His appointment as Cabinet Secretary under Rajiv Gandhi was met with apprehension from fellow ministers due to his tough reputation, a sentiment shared by Sheila Dikshit. Seshan's quick thinking and decisive action during an attack on the Prime Minister led to entrust him with an inquiry into the incident, highlighting his reputation for speaking his mind.

"Through the Broken Glass" weaves a tapestry of narratives that not only captivate the reader's imagination but also offer profound insights for administrators of the new era. Each instance shared by T.N. Seshan serves as a microcosm of the larger principles he embodied throughout his career – integrity, innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to public welfare. T.N. Seshan's life and career mirror a cracked but unyielding glass – fragmented by circumstances, yet gleaming with the brilliance of reform and integrity. As readers journey through these narratives, they're reminded that legends are not born, but crafted through an unrelenting commitment to principles.