UBAGARAMPILLAI SAGAYAM– THE BEACON OF INTEGRITY
CREATED BY
SATHISH KUMAR R
INTRODUCTION
Early Life & Education
Entry into Service & Major Roles
Integrity Milestones & Key Achievements
Major Investigations (Granite mining, election duty)
Challenges & Sacrifices
Lessons for Governance & Public Service
Relevance for Young Professionals / Civil Service Aspirants
Conclusion: Why his story matters
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
EARLY LIFE
• Belongs to a simple farming family
• Youngest of five sons
• Grew up with strong values of honesty, discipline, and hard work
• Inspired by social service and wanted to serve society and fight corruption from a young age
• Born on 22 March 1964 in Perunchunai village, Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Education
Completed schooling in Tamil Nadu government schools
Earned Bachelor’s degree in Law (B.L.)
Completed Master’s in Social Work (M.A.)
Started career in Central Secretariat Service (1989)
Later joined Tamil Nadu State Civil Service and promoted to IAS (Indian Administrative Service) in 2001
ENTRY INTO SERVICE & MAJOR ROLES
Entry into Service
Began government career in Central Secretariat Service in 1989
Later entered Tamil Nadu State Civil Service
Promoted to Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 2001
Known for transparency, honesty, and anti-corruption actions from the
beginning
MAJOR ROLES
•Sub-Divisional Magistrate – Ooty
•Took strict action against corruption in tea estates
•Deputy Commissioner of Civil Supplies – Chennai
•Controlled misuse of LPG cylinders & essential food supplies
•Collector – Namakkal District
•Published his assets publicly to promote transparency
•District Collector – Madurai
•Major campaign against vote-buying during elections
•Special Officer / Legal Commissioner
•Appointed by High Court to investigate illegal granite mining scam
•Vice Chairman – Science City, Chennai
•Promoted science & research awareness for students
INTEGRITY MILESTONES & KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Integrity Milestones
Refused to accept bribes throughout career
Displayed a board in office:
“Reject Bribes, Hold Your Head High”
Voluntarily disclosed his assets as District Collector — first officer to do so in TN
Took bold action against illegal activities, vote-buying, corruption, and black-market trades
Maintained zero-tolerance policy on corruption despite transfers & pressure
Earned reputation as an honest & fearless IAS officer
KEY ACHIEVEMENT
Key Achievements
Uncovered ₹16,000+ crore illegal granite mining scam in Madurai
Confiscated 5,000+ misused LPG cylinders meant for domestic use
Sealed factory for water contamination & environmental violation
Stopped cash distribution to voters during elections
Received strong public support — people protested when he was transferred
Promoted transparent governance and welfare-focused administration
MAJOR INVESTIGATIONS (GRANITE MINING & ELECTION
DUTY)
Granite Mining Investigation
Appointed as Special Officer/Legal Commissioner by the Madras High Court
Investigated illegal granite quarrying in Madurai district
Exposed massive corruption involving politicians, businessmen & officials
Estimated loss to government: ₹16,000+ crore
Seized illegal granite blocks & cancelled many licenses
Faced pressure, threats, and multiple transfers but continued the mission
His report created nationwide awareness about illegal mining in Tamil Nadu
ELECTION DUTY
Election Duty Investigation
Served as District Election Officer – Madurai (2011)
Took strict action against vote-buying and illegal cash distribution
Confiscated ₹20 lakh intended for voter bribing
Conducted surprise checks & raids
Ensured fair and transparent election environment
Earned appreciation from public and media for bold decisions
CHALLENGES & SACRIFICES
•Faced political pressure and opposition due to anti-corruption actions
•Was transferred more than 20 times for being honest and strict
•Often posted in difficult and sensitive districts
•Took decisions that angered powerful groups, including business and political lobbies
•Faced risk to personal safety after exposing illegal mining activities
•Received threats to life, but continued his mission without fear
•Lived a simple lifestyle, refusing luxury benefits and bribes
•Chose public interest over personal career growth
•Did not compromise on ethics even when his career suffered
•Took Voluntary Retirement (VRS) after continuous pressure and sidelining roles
LESSONS FOR GOVERNANCE & PUBLIC SERVICE
Lessons for Governance & Public Service
Integrity is Strength
Honest leadership builds trust and long-lasting respect
Transparency Builds Accountability
Public disclosure of assets sets a model for clean governance
Law Must Be Above Power
Strong enforcement of rules protects democracy and public interest
Serve People, Not Positions
Real public service means working for citizens, not for power or position
Courage to Stand Alone
A single officer can create big social impact if they stand firm for truth
PUBLIC SERVICE
Zero Tolerance to Corruption
Effective governance requires bold action against corruption at all levels
Empower Citizens
Awareness among people strengthens democratic processes
Lead by Example
Values like honesty, discipline, and fairness inspire others to follow
Face Challenges Without Fear
Public service demands sacrifice, determination, and moral courage
RELEVANCE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS / CIVIL SERVICE
ASPIRANTS
Relevance for Young Professionals / Civil Service Aspirants
Model of Ethical Leadership
Teaches that honesty and values matter more than shortcuts to success
Inspiration to Serve Society
Encourages youth to see government service as a mission, not just a job
Courage Under Pressure
Shows that true leaders stand for truth even when alone
Integrity > Comfort
Reminds aspirants that real success comes from character, not convenience
CIVIL SERVICE ASPIRANTS
Commitment to Public Welfare
Demonstrates how one officer can bring real changes in society
Accountability & Transparency
Motivates future officers to be open, accountable, and responsible
Real Example of Duty & Service
Proof that civil servants can fight corruption and protect democracy
Consistency in Values
Reflects that strong principles must be practiced every day, not once in a while
Inspires Goal-Driven Preparation
Encourages aspirants to prepare not just to pass exams but to serve people
SUMMATION
Conclusion: Why His Story Matters
U. Sagayam IAS stands as a symbol of honesty and fearless public service
His work proves that one dedicated officer can challenge corruption
He showed that truth and integrity can survive political pressure
His career inspires youth to serve society with courage and commitment
He demonstrated that real leadership means sacrifices for the greater good
His life motivates future civil servants to be ethical, transparent, and people-centric
Sagayam’s journey reminds us that good governance begins with good values
