Former Union Minister Alphonse Kannanthanam reflects on his past in his upcoming book titled 'The Winning Formula: 52 Ways to Change Your Life', set to be released next month. The book recounts the story of his childhood, struggles, and the challenges he faced throughout his lengthy government service.

Interestingly, one of the incidents Kannanthanam reveals is that of his attempt to arrest then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) in 1981 while serving as the sub-collector of Devikulam. He reveals that some Tamil organizations placed a price of Rs 50,000 on his head as he prepared to arrest MGR during the Chief Minister's visit to the Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple, a site embroiled in a dispute over ownership between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The tension between Kerala and Tamil Nadu escalated over the Mangaladevi temple, particularly when MGR claimed it belonged to Tamil Nadu. After reviewing the records, it was confirmed that the temple was indeed in Kerala. An injunction was issued to prevent MGR's visit, and Kannanthanam explains that the decision to attempt an arrest was made with law and order in mind. Ultimately, MGR cancelled his visit to Mangaladevi.

"I am a rebel at heart. Sometimes with reason, sometimes for no reason. I have never accepted anything without question, including the rules of civil service," Kannanthanam notes.

Illegal land encroachments in Delhi

In the book, he also recounts his experience evicting illegal land encroachments in Delhi while serving as the Commissioner of the Delhi Development Authority. Among the top ten land grabbers were prominent political leaders of the day, including a mafia leader who had controlled 200,000 square feet of land. After a 36-hour effort to reclaim the land, the media dubbed him "The Demolition Man." Remarkably, when the mafia leader met Kannanthanam ten days later, he embraced him, saying, "You are my friend; you are the only person who dared to touch me."

Kannanthanam further discusses his transfer in 1991 to the Delhi Development Authority from his post as the Director of the Civil Supplies Department, a move orchestrated by powerful interests due to his dissenting letter regarding the controversial palm oil import case involving several high-ranking officials.

Childhood days

The book also narrates Kannanthanam's journey from a below-average student—scoring just 42 per cent in the 10th standard—to becoming a Union Minister. He recalls the taunts he faced due to his grades and a moment of despair when he almost gave up. However, at that moment, he realized he had the potential for more. 

Kannanthanam emphasizes that it is up to individuals to define their own intelligence and skills, declaring, "This is the turning point of my life. It is not my teachers, parents, or neighbours who should decide whether I have intelligence or talent. I must decide for myself."