Chandigarh: Former IAS officer, author and motivational speaker Vivek Atray launched his sixth book, Not So Randomly Yours, in Chandigarh on Sunday, using the occasion to share insights on governance, personal growth, spirituality and the pursuit of inner peace.
The event, held at the UT Guest House, brought together several distinguished personalities, including former Army Chief V. P. Malik, Haryana Chief Information Commissioner TVSN Prasad, retired Lieutenant General K. J. S. Dhillon, and members of the literary and administrative community.
Chandigarh Played a Defining Role in His Journey
Addressing the gathering, Atray described Chandigarh as much more than a city, calling it a place that significantly shaped both his professional and personal journey.
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Reflecting on his years in public service, he spoke about the experiences, institutions and people that influenced his outlook and career, noting that many of the lessons featured in his latest work emerged from his interactions during his administrative tenure.
A Collection of Five Years of Reflections
Not So Randomly Yours compiles 120 articles from Atray’s popular newspaper column, Random Forays, written over the past five years.
The book covers a broad range of themes, including:
- Governance and public administration
- Leadership and decision-making
- Human relationships
- Spirituality and self-development
- Sports and life lessons
- Artificial intelligence and technology
- Everyday observations on modern society
The work blends contemporary issues with personal reflections, offering readers practical insights through a conversational and accessible style.
Recalling the Evolution of Government Communication
During interactions with media persons, Atray reminisced about his early years in the civil services.
He recalled serving as Director of Public Relations in the early 2000s, when government press releases were physically delivered to media houses through autorickshaws.
Comparing those days with today’s digital communication ecosystem, he highlighted how technology has transformed the speed and reach of information dissemination within government systems.
Good Governance Depends on Good Officers
One of the central themes of the book is governance.
Speaking on the subject, Atray emphasized that effective governance ultimately depends on capable and committed civil servants.
He also stressed the need for institutional memory within government systems, arguing that preserving administrative knowledge and experiences is essential for continuity and better policy implementation.
According to him, governance frameworks become more effective when institutional learning is systematically retained and passed on to future generations of administrators.
A Strong Message on Mental Well-Being
Describing Not So Randomly Yours as motivational non-fiction, Atray said the book differs from his earlier works because of its stronger focus on contemporary challenges and everyday realities.
At the heart of the book lies a recurring message:
- Seek inner peace
- Avoid excessive overthinking
- Strengthen family relationships
- Build mental resilience
- Focus on personal well-being
IAS Atray argued that in an increasingly fast-paced and competitive world, individuals often prioritize external achievements while neglecting inner fulfillment.
‘True Success Is Deeply Internal’
Sharing what he considers the central philosophy of the book, Atray said success should not be measured solely through external accomplishments.
“True success is not external alone. It is deeply internal,” he remarked.
The former bureaucrat emphasized that lasting happiness comes from emotional balance, meaningful relationships and mental strength rather than material achievements alone.
Bridging Public Service and Personal Growth
Over the years, Vivek Atray has built a reputation as both an accomplished civil servant and a prolific writer. Through his books, public lectures and columns, he has consistently explored themes related to leadership, governance, motivation and personal development.
His latest publication continues that journey, combining administrative insights with practical life lessons aimed at helping readers navigate the complexities of modern life while maintaining perspective and inner balance.
The launch of Not So Randomly Yours marks another milestone in Atray’s literary career, reinforcing his message that personal growth and public service are ultimately connected through the pursuit of purpose, wisdom and self-awareness.
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