Tolerance is the best culture to be cultivated in a joint family: an 85-year-old retired bureaucrat and an author, Mr. Gopalakrishna
Hyderabad, March 27, 2025:
India is known for Joint families, which are characterized by multiple generations living together. But things have changed. Now we are noticing more families prefer to stay as a nuclear family, and the joint family tradition is going out of practice. A joint family is always better than a nuclear family. Tolerance is the best culture to be cultivated in a joint family, said Shri M. Gopalakrishna, IAS(Retd), the author of ‘Life of a Karma Yogi-Memoirs of a Civil Servant“.
The 85-year-old retired bureaucrat was in a fireside chat with Mr. Ayyadevara Srinivas, Past President of FTCCI and Hyderabad Management Association
The Interaction was jointly organised by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) and Hyderabad Management Association.
Mr. Gopalakrishna retired 25 years back, but not yet tired, announced Mr. Iyyadevara Srinivas
The Book, Life of a Karma Yogi, is a panorama of life in pre- and post-Independence India over three generations. It reflects the ethos of Civil Services, the Steel Frame, which has laid the foundations for the growth of a resurgent India. The book chronicles the memoirs of a Civil Servant over sixty years, covering historic events shaping India’s efforts for peace, socio-economic development, and the quest for economic growth to become the 3rd largest economy of the world, the moderator announced.
I was the first Telugu officer posted in Assam, Gopalakrishna said and shared many experiences serving as a bureaucrat in the North Eastern State of India.
Recalling some of his experiences, he said they shared a cordial relationship with the then Chief Minister T. Anjaiah. We had a cordial and informal relationship with Ministers in those days, he shared.
Gopalakrishna introduced VAT (Value Added Tax) on alcohol in Andhra Pradesh for the first time as Commissioner of Commercial Taxes.
When asked to rate the best Chief Ministers under whom he worked between Jalagam Vengal Rao, Dr Marri Chenna Reddy and Mr. NT Rama Rao, the Octogenarian officer said Jalagam Vengal Rao was the best Chief Minister to work with. Dr Chenna Reddy was the best at getting his job done. NT Rama Rao had a cinematic flourish, and Mr. Chandrababu Naidu was a calm, calculating and good administrator, he told a 300-plus audience.
When asked to give a message to IAS aspirants, Mr. Gopalakrishna said they must have ‘I can do’ spirit. He told young aspirants never to say ‘I can’t do‘.
Giving his opening remarks, Dr. Suresh Kumar Singha, President of FTCCI, said M. Gopalakrishna’s illustrious career has been an inspiration for many. As both a bureaucrat and an academician, he has significantly contributed to public service and governance. His insightful writings continue to serve as a guiding light for civil servants and professionals alike.
At FTCCI, we take great pride in facilitating discussions that promote thought leadership and knowledge-sharing. Today’s Fireside Chat will not only provide a glimpse into Sri Gopalakrishna garu’s remarkable journey but also offer invaluable lessons on leadership, governance, and public service.
Sri K. Chandra Sekhar, President, HMA, Secretary of HMA, Senior VP of FTCCI R. Ravi Kumar and VP of FTCCI KK Maheshwari, Secretary of FTCCI Ms. Veena and many retired bureaucrats, industry leaders participated in the meeting