My book does not target any individual: Meena

‘Autobiography intended to motivate students’

Former bureaucrat Teeka Ram Meena has said that he has not targeted any individual specifically in his autobiography, Tholkilla Njan (I won’t be defeated), which was released here on Monday.

The book had grabbed headlines after P. Sasi, political secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, served a legal notice on Mr. Meena, who had retired as Additional Chief Secretary earlier this year, for alleged slanderous references against him.

Talking to reporters after the release of the book, the 1988 batch IAS officer said he was prepared to talk it over if someone has a complaint.

The book does not mention Mr. Sasi by name.

''There is nothing in the book that is meant to slander anyone or that has been written with malice towards anyone. But if anyone has a complaint, I am open to talk to them to clarify the position,'' he said.

''The book is intended to motivate students. During my service, there have been some bitter experiences, some sweet experiences. Nothing has been written to target any specific individual. I have not mentioned any names,'' said Mr. Meena who has served in many capacities, including that of Chief Electoral Officer (Kerala) during his over three-decade-long career.

Following the controversy, Prabha Varma, Chief Minister's media advisor who was scheduled to preside over the function, and Kerala Media Academy chairman R.S. Babu, who was to offer felicitations, did not attend Monday's book release. Reacting to their absence, Mr. Meena said: ''We cannot force anybody.''