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Stepping Beyond Khaki: Revelations of a Real-Life Singham
How did the rape and murder of a young girl transform a rule-obsessed officer to take on a more humane approach?
Why did people start calling him Singham just a few years into his policing career?
What is it that made a shy, simple village boy dedicate himself to a lifetime of commitment towards public service?
Stepping Beyond Khaki: Revelations of a Real-Life Singham is a tell-all memoir by celebrated former police officer K. Annamalai. With a career spanning a decade in the state of Karnataka, he earned the respect of the people with his humanistic action and his style of leadership focusing on empowering subordinates. Further, Annamalai pitches significant questions that rarely get discussed-are politicians bad? And is politics a place where good people fear to tread?
By stepping away from the spotlight and bringing out the real heroes whom he had encountered in his policing journey, this is unlike any other policing memoir. Truthfully told with a dash of idealism, it also prescribes changes that are much needed in politics, policing and in our daily governance mechanisms. It brings out the inherent goodness of the common man and the role the general public play in keeping this democracy functioning.
Why did people start calling him Singham just a few years into his policing career?
What is it that made a shy, simple village boy dedicate himself to a lifetime of commitment towards public service?
Stepping Beyond Khaki: Revelations of a Real-Life Singham is a tell-all memoir by celebrated former police officer K. Annamalai. With a career spanning a decade in the state of Karnataka, he earned the respect of the people with his humanistic action and his style of leadership focusing on empowering subordinates. Further, Annamalai pitches significant questions that rarely get discussed-are politicians bad? And is politics a place where good people fear to tread?
By stepping away from the spotlight and bringing out the real heroes whom he had encountered in his policing journey, this is unlike any other policing memoir. Truthfully told with a dash of idealism, it also prescribes changes that are much needed in politics, policing and in our daily governance mechanisms. It brings out the inherent goodness of the common man and the role the general public play in keeping this democracy functioning.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2021
36 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 19, 2021
Being a Fan of Annamalai’s personality and work I started reading this book and it has proved worth my time and gave me an insight of the Police system in India, it encouraged me to write a brief review of the same.
Book starts with details of Annamalai sir childhood and shows the zeal of his parents to make sure their son gets best possible education and after the degree education he decides to prepare for CAT and gets a IIML , where when he was studying he contest the election and tastes being a leader makes him to give try for UPSC exams and goes to delhi and makes a friend who guide him with materials and information on the IAS exam which he clears and gets IPS cadre .
The Next Part of the book deals with the kind of training all IPS cadre go through to become the officers is provided in a detailed manner especially the drills and training which the probation officer undergoes are meticulously designed so that officers are made ready to face any kind challenges on ground while in service.
The main content of the book and the part i liked a lot in the book is police reforms and challenges they faced on daily basis and the all the different roles a policeman has to take while serving the general public has been presented here in the book is worthy of every praise , i had read books written by retired officers where they present the vision of after getting retired , but here is a officer Annamalai who being an officer in service has made attempts to implement the police reforms for the better of police in service and the society they serve, the concern shown by the Annamalai regarding the work pressure which PC,HC and ASI undergo on a daily basis while serving the people and how humanity in them get numbed is worrisome for sure.
While performing one's duty as a police with power maintaining the clear distinguish between dharma and adharma is very much important and clearly been explained with example in the book and the instance where the experienced constable gives life lessons to the daredevil officer after he encounters a life and death situation while chasing a criminal on how a policeman needs to have patience and common sense while working is priceless and the officer accepted his advice by hugging him and shedding his ego is also beautiful.
It also contains the details of political leaders and their role in the reforms , how the current scenario in politics and corruption is making criminals to join the politics and thrive there without any consequence is present with clear research background .
In Total I loved the book and there is more in the book than the review I gave here. I recommend everyone to read the book and discuss and make sure you respect and show kindness to low ranking policemen while they perform their 14-16 hours duty when you meet them.
Book starts with details of Annamalai sir childhood and shows the zeal of his parents to make sure their son gets best possible education and after the degree education he decides to prepare for CAT and gets a IIML , where when he was studying he contest the election and tastes being a leader makes him to give try for UPSC exams and goes to delhi and makes a friend who guide him with materials and information on the IAS exam which he clears and gets IPS cadre .
The Next Part of the book deals with the kind of training all IPS cadre go through to become the officers is provided in a detailed manner especially the drills and training which the probation officer undergoes are meticulously designed so that officers are made ready to face any kind challenges on ground while in service.
The main content of the book and the part i liked a lot in the book is police reforms and challenges they faced on daily basis and the all the different roles a policeman has to take while serving the general public has been presented here in the book is worthy of every praise , i had read books written by retired officers where they present the vision of after getting retired , but here is a officer Annamalai who being an officer in service has made attempts to implement the police reforms for the better of police in service and the society they serve, the concern shown by the Annamalai regarding the work pressure which PC,HC and ASI undergo on a daily basis while serving the people and how humanity in them get numbed is worrisome for sure.
While performing one's duty as a police with power maintaining the clear distinguish between dharma and adharma is very much important and clearly been explained with example in the book and the instance where the experienced constable gives life lessons to the daredevil officer after he encounters a life and death situation while chasing a criminal on how a policeman needs to have patience and common sense while working is priceless and the officer accepted his advice by hugging him and shedding his ego is also beautiful.
It also contains the details of political leaders and their role in the reforms , how the current scenario in politics and corruption is making criminals to join the politics and thrive there without any consequence is present with clear research background .
In Total I loved the book and there is more in the book than the review I gave here. I recommend everyone to read the book and discuss and make sure you respect and show kindness to low ranking policemen while they perform their 14-16 hours duty when you meet them.
January 25, 2021
I can feel that this book was so genuinely written by author. He has the ability to write what he thinks and feels from the heart and not bother about anything.
Mr. Annamalai, Former IPS has provided a penetrating study about Police culture, leadership, police moral and required training in the content of changing perspectives.
For the non police personal the book offers great life lessons. How once a shy village boy has evolved as one of the renowned IPS officer and "Singham of Karnataka".
The Youth must look at his decision-making skills.
His success proves that it's very significant for a person to look for the emotional intuition within self when making a decision than seeing things only with mere calculations.
How he never settled neither as an engineer nor as an IIM grad and pursued his dream of UPSC aspirant. How he worked hard to write an UPSC exam in the morning and IIM exams in the afternoon and then prepare for the next day for both UPSC and IIM. It was through Sheer Hard work and Courage.
Interestingly his learnt values began at home and specially in his rural village and there he habituated to see the best in human. One of the greatest leadership quality indeed.
He has lived a life full of courage, hope, hard work and compassion being the driving force. It's very inspiring.
We don't know all the issues that Police have to deal with on a daily basis. They deal with the Scum of the earth that nobody else wants to deal with.
The author has so detailed about the faceless heroes in our life, not every hero wears a cap.
Our police constables are so irrationally maligned in India. They deserve a better narrative and this book has done that.
In this book, reasons for erosion in police morale has also been analysed in our changing society. The book calls out both good and bad sides of policing. However,
After competing the book, the reader can understand that how many of our constables are putting themselves on the line for those they don't know. It's time that we show our gratitude and it's earned.
This work of the Mr. Annamalai will make useful and informative reading not only for police officers but also for police planners, administrators, politicians, students and the public at large.
His understanding about Policing Job, Society, Politicians are so amazing.
As the author mentioned in the book "Reformation starts with better understanding", his understanding can positively transform into good governance.
After reading this book, I am excited that he joined politics and am looking forward to see him as Game Changer in Politics as well!
Mr. Annamalai, Former IPS has provided a penetrating study about Police culture, leadership, police moral and required training in the content of changing perspectives.
For the non police personal the book offers great life lessons. How once a shy village boy has evolved as one of the renowned IPS officer and "Singham of Karnataka".
The Youth must look at his decision-making skills.
His success proves that it's very significant for a person to look for the emotional intuition within self when making a decision than seeing things only with mere calculations.
How he never settled neither as an engineer nor as an IIM grad and pursued his dream of UPSC aspirant. How he worked hard to write an UPSC exam in the morning and IIM exams in the afternoon and then prepare for the next day for both UPSC and IIM. It was through Sheer Hard work and Courage.
Interestingly his learnt values began at home and specially in his rural village and there he habituated to see the best in human. One of the greatest leadership quality indeed.
He has lived a life full of courage, hope, hard work and compassion being the driving force. It's very inspiring.
We don't know all the issues that Police have to deal with on a daily basis. They deal with the Scum of the earth that nobody else wants to deal with.
The author has so detailed about the faceless heroes in our life, not every hero wears a cap.
Our police constables are so irrationally maligned in India. They deserve a better narrative and this book has done that.
In this book, reasons for erosion in police morale has also been analysed in our changing society. The book calls out both good and bad sides of policing. However,
After competing the book, the reader can understand that how many of our constables are putting themselves on the line for those they don't know. It's time that we show our gratitude and it's earned.
This work of the Mr. Annamalai will make useful and informative reading not only for police officers but also for police planners, administrators, politicians, students and the public at large.
His understanding about Policing Job, Society, Politicians are so amazing.
As the author mentioned in the book "Reformation starts with better understanding", his understanding can positively transform into good governance.
After reading this book, I am excited that he joined politics and am looking forward to see him as Game Changer in Politics as well!
March 4, 2021
The revelations made in the book are hard hitting. A Frank review of the policing system in our country by one of the finest officers. In a world, where we consider the men in the police force to be the supermen, solving every petty issue, this book has brought to the light, how the life of a policeman actually is. The lower ranks, which aren't even looked at, by the public, deserve the biggest applause for their sacrifice. Police are infact humans, that's what we fail to realise. The dark truth, of what happens at the political level and how the policing is controlled is very well explained. At the end of the day, it's infact everyones basic duty to maintain law and order in their own places and not rely on the policemen everytime. It would further have been great, if a case study of the various crimes that had fallen under Annamalai sir's jurisdiction was explained. It would help the general public understand why a crime happens and what happens once a person gets convicted.
July 28, 2021
Shri Annamalai, who is a Mechanical Engineer and an IIML graduate, is an IPS officer who has made some radical changes to policing in his jurisdiction areas and is known as ‘Singham’ or a lion and he earned this by his policing style.
The book, ‘stepping beyond the khaki’ I believe is a must read for UPSC aspirants, especially students interested in the IPS and even for problem solvers and management students in general as the book gives some good insights into how Shri Annamalai ji viewed problems and his approach towards solving it. The book also opens your mind to some ground realities in India and motivates young leaders to go beyond the book and actively learn about the ‘real’ India outside.
Complete review: http://sidsveda.com/book-reviews/step...
The book, ‘stepping beyond the khaki’ I believe is a must read for UPSC aspirants, especially students interested in the IPS and even for problem solvers and management students in general as the book gives some good insights into how Shri Annamalai ji viewed problems and his approach towards solving it. The book also opens your mind to some ground realities in India and motivates young leaders to go beyond the book and actively learn about the ‘real’ India outside.
Complete review: http://sidsveda.com/book-reviews/step...
February 12, 2023
This is an interesting read about a police officer, his experiences as a police man and who is currently seen as an emerging force in the Indian political spectrum. The book gives some good insights into the making of an IPS officer, the challenges faced on a day-to-day basis. More importantly the book gives a deep insight into the daily lives of the common neighborhood policemen, their challenges & sacrifices made as part of their job. Some of the cases illustrated as examples make for interesting read.
Overall, a pretty good book. I wish the publishers do consider reducing the price of both print and kindle versions so that its reach could perhaps spread.
Overall, a pretty good book. I wish the publishers do consider reducing the price of both print and kindle versions so that its reach could perhaps spread.
August 15, 2021
Will and wish to act can bring changes
Book is poured with lot of positivity and inspiration. I enjoyed reading book, it's very simple straightforward though the meaning and message of this book is making society stronger
Book is poured with lot of positivity and inspiration. I enjoyed reading book, it's very simple straightforward though the meaning and message of this book is making society stronger
August 13, 2021
Look beyond the language. I chose this book for its content and it didn't disappoint. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
February 1, 2021
3.5 stars
Up until early last year, I held a common view of the police: they can't be trusted, don't go to a policeman even when you need to, they are unfit, take bribes, and are dangerous to your safety (especially as a female).
This changed in March 2020. March 2020, I shared space with constables, and I talked to senior superintendents while on COVID duty for those quarantined after traveling abroad. And that changed everything. My perception of police emerged from that of what I held above, to them being humans who work more hours than normal, are underpaid, hardly get time to spend with family, put their lives on the line, and are hated by the public. During the span of a month, I was also witness to the loss of a young constable who was going home after finishing his duty at 3am and in order to save a drunk person on the road, he swerved and lost his balance, and died. He was 23. Last March made me know more about the police than I ever had before. It gave me a real picture, away from what I had been told, and what media told me.
So when I got a chance to read this book, I grabbed it, wanting to know a first-hand account. I am embarrassed to say I hadn't heard about Annamalai before but I am glad to have gotten to know him through this book. He's a marvellous person, reaching where he did on his own abilities. Reading this book was a breeze and I got lost in his life story, admiring his courage, his long-term vision, and his methods. While reading this book, I was made aware of (by someone who did better on current affairs than me) some things about him that are against my own views but the author hasn't mentioned them in the book so I will put them aside.
Annamalai goes into the minute accounts of a daily life of a policeman and all that they sacrifice and go through. He talks about the grassroot level and helps bring awareness to aspects of a policeman's life that go unnoticed.
This book is an eye-opener. It is revealing, humbling, and brings to you the other-side view most people are not privy to. It seems like an unbiased account of the real deal.
Towards the end, the book becomes a little dry when delving into the political arena albeit Annamalai has mentioned some really good measures that the govt needs to take to ensure smooth functioning of the police and be able to provide help to those who need it. If only someone on the political level reads this and takes a step in the right direction.<
It's a great book to give you a glimpse into the life of a policeman.
Up until early last year, I held a common view of the police: they can't be trusted, don't go to a policeman even when you need to, they are unfit, take bribes, and are dangerous to your safety (especially as a female).
This changed in March 2020. March 2020, I shared space with constables, and I talked to senior superintendents while on COVID duty for those quarantined after traveling abroad. And that changed everything. My perception of police emerged from that of what I held above, to them being humans who work more hours than normal, are underpaid, hardly get time to spend with family, put their lives on the line, and are hated by the public. During the span of a month, I was also witness to the loss of a young constable who was going home after finishing his duty at 3am and in order to save a drunk person on the road, he swerved and lost his balance, and died. He was 23. Last March made me know more about the police than I ever had before. It gave me a real picture, away from what I had been told, and what media told me.
So when I got a chance to read this book, I grabbed it, wanting to know a first-hand account. I am embarrassed to say I hadn't heard about Annamalai before but I am glad to have gotten to know him through this book. He's a marvellous person, reaching where he did on his own abilities. Reading this book was a breeze and I got lost in his life story, admiring his courage, his long-term vision, and his methods. While reading this book, I was made aware of (by someone who did better on current affairs than me) some things about him that are against my own views but the author hasn't mentioned them in the book so I will put them aside.
Annamalai goes into the minute accounts of a daily life of a policeman and all that they sacrifice and go through. He talks about the grassroot level and helps bring awareness to aspects of a policeman's life that go unnoticed.
This book is an eye-opener. It is revealing, humbling, and brings to you the other-side view most people are not privy to. It seems like an unbiased account of the real deal.
Towards the end, the book becomes a little dry when delving into the political arena albeit Annamalai has mentioned some really good measures that the govt needs to take to ensure smooth functioning of the police and be able to provide help to those who need it. If only someone on the political level reads this and takes a step in the right direction.<
It's a great book to give you a glimpse into the life of a policeman.
December 10, 2022
Awesome
Inspirational leader with vision. Highly recommended book for youngsters... Looking forward to strong India with change. A great leader in making.
Inspirational leader with vision. Highly recommended book for youngsters... Looking forward to strong India with change. A great leader in making.
October 1, 2021
Pure experience, plain narration on facts. Within a short span in policing, the issues, probable solutions and perspective is worth reading.
June 16, 2022
The book show come hard work comes ture .very interesting
June 28, 2023
The main reason to choose this book is Annamalai himself. His visionary and bold leadership qualities, demonstrated during his tenure as the BJP state president, have always inspired me. As for the book, it is a memoir of Annamalai's experiences as a former police officer. The writing style is simple yet engaging, keeping the reader hooked throughout.
In the initial chapters, Annamalai recounts his life as an IIM student and the struggles he faced during his preparation for the civil service exams. He also delves into the rigorous training he underwent at NPA and LBSNAA, which transformed him from a regular civil aspirant into a bold and strong officer. His journey was both inspiring and surprising to read about.
Throughout the book, Annamalai discusses his life as an officer and the incidents, such as murder and rape cases, that deeply affected him and made him reflect on their root causes. He provides great detail about the daily struggles faced by police officers, including the lack of work-life balance and its impact on their personal lives. Additionally, he addresses the role of bribery and political intervention in the police system, which degrades the image and functioning of the entire democratic system.
Towards the end, Annamalai highlights some deep-rooted problems in Indian democracy and suggests reforms that could transform the system into a well-oiled machine. This book is particularly suitable for those who want to delve deep into the daily lives and struggles of the police, especially lower-ranked officers, and gain a better understanding of K. Annamalai's vision.
In the initial chapters, Annamalai recounts his life as an IIM student and the struggles he faced during his preparation for the civil service exams. He also delves into the rigorous training he underwent at NPA and LBSNAA, which transformed him from a regular civil aspirant into a bold and strong officer. His journey was both inspiring and surprising to read about.
Throughout the book, Annamalai discusses his life as an officer and the incidents, such as murder and rape cases, that deeply affected him and made him reflect on their root causes. He provides great detail about the daily struggles faced by police officers, including the lack of work-life balance and its impact on their personal lives. Additionally, he addresses the role of bribery and political intervention in the police system, which degrades the image and functioning of the entire democratic system.
Towards the end, Annamalai highlights some deep-rooted problems in Indian democracy and suggests reforms that could transform the system into a well-oiled machine. This book is particularly suitable for those who want to delve deep into the daily lives and struggles of the police, especially lower-ranked officers, and gain a better understanding of K. Annamalai's vision.
June 29, 2025
This book was a testament to the brutal reality of a police officer's life.
From putting the nation before family, to not taking leaves, to playing multiple roles in society- their role is difficult, but often goes unrecognized. Annamalai sir beautifully weaves in stories that he's seen throughout his tenure and opens our eyes to this.
In addition to feeling much more sympathetic and proud of our police force, the importance of understanding a human's mind is emphasized throughout the book. Be it an officer, a common man or a criminal- to truly change their actions, we must first change their thinking (even sometimes by warping reality).
It was also a good repertoire of insights for a leader, shaping their ideas on what a leader should do and providing a glimpse into the mind of one of India's finest leaders.
Lastly, the message that "Death is the one leveller" and that the significance of life isn't seen until one feels the coldness of death, was a harsh but much-needed reminder.
From putting the nation before family, to not taking leaves, to playing multiple roles in society- their role is difficult, but often goes unrecognized. Annamalai sir beautifully weaves in stories that he's seen throughout his tenure and opens our eyes to this.
In addition to feeling much more sympathetic and proud of our police force, the importance of understanding a human's mind is emphasized throughout the book. Be it an officer, a common man or a criminal- to truly change their actions, we must first change their thinking (even sometimes by warping reality).
It was also a good repertoire of insights for a leader, shaping their ideas on what a leader should do and providing a glimpse into the mind of one of India's finest leaders.
Lastly, the message that "Death is the one leveller" and that the significance of life isn't seen until one feels the coldness of death, was a harsh but much-needed reminder.
May 9, 2022
STEPPING BEYOND KHAKI - Revelations of a real-life Singham.
This book takes us on a marvelous ride of Singham's life.
The reader would change the perception of seeing the police and the police department after completing the book.
Singham addresses the problems from the grassroots level in the democratical setup, from the police department to the functioning of government.
The book makes us ponder and understand
"What is leadership?"
"Who is a leader?"
"How can we make our society progressive and make sustainable for the generations?"
Singham just doesn't inspire us through the book but also takes us to the important nuances of life.
This book lays the foundation for a good and strong system for a democratic setup and it promotes the importance of good governance.
This book is to be not missed by book readers, youths, the one who asks for the change, and more importantly who is ready to change...
This book takes us on a marvelous ride of Singham's life.
The reader would change the perception of seeing the police and the police department after completing the book.
Singham addresses the problems from the grassroots level in the democratical setup, from the police department to the functioning of government.
The book makes us ponder and understand
"What is leadership?"
"Who is a leader?"
"How can we make our society progressive and make sustainable for the generations?"
Singham just doesn't inspire us through the book but also takes us to the important nuances of life.
This book lays the foundation for a good and strong system for a democratic setup and it promotes the importance of good governance.
This book is to be not missed by book readers, youths, the one who asks for the change, and more importantly who is ready to change...
June 23, 2024
Felt deeply connected to this book because the character shares my place of birth, has a similar family background, and followed a similar educational path. He then attended IIM for his MBA, joined the IPS, and now has entered politics.
This book provided valuable lessons on how finding purpose, fitting into the bigger picture, staying connected to family, and caring for others can create a positive impact both personally and for those around us.
One of my favorite lines from the book is:
"Not being proactive or not considering mitigating an issue by anticipating it was, to me, an example of bad leadership."
Our country has a good leader, and I wish him good health and continued success in all his endeavors.
This book provided valuable lessons on how finding purpose, fitting into the bigger picture, staying connected to family, and caring for others can create a positive impact both personally and for those around us.
One of my favorite lines from the book is:
"Not being proactive or not considering mitigating an issue by anticipating it was, to me, an example of bad leadership."
Our country has a good leader, and I wish him good health and continued success in all his endeavors.
January 22, 2025
This book offers an inspiring journey into the world of an honest, courageous, and exceptionally talented leader of our time. K. Annamalai not only sheds light on the current state of Indian policing and governance but also instills optimism by emphasizing that the system is ultimately made up of people like us. He strongly believes that meaningful change is possible if individuals, whether directly or indirectly, choose to engage with the system with integrity and resolve. Stepping Beyond Khaki is a thought-provoking read, leaving one hopeful for the rise of more such transformative leaders in the future.
February 22, 2023
The author has written this book straight from the heart and personal experience. The book is insightful and though provoking. Gives a new perspective to the way you see police force in India. For me the book was a delight and a quick read. Thought after reading the book I researched the author a bit more and he is currently in politics, hope he is able to implement few of the things he suggested in this thoughtful book now.
October 27, 2024
This book delves deeply into the structure and challenges of the police force, especially focusing on the selection process, hierarchy, and struggles faced by lower-ranking personnel. While it touches briefly on politics, it provides valuable insights into our current political system and the process of electing leaders. The author also suggests ways to improve the system for a better future.
Overall, it’s a well-rounded and insightful read.
Overall, it’s a well-rounded and insightful read.
October 26, 2023
Excellent reading of the problems facing the police force and how the solutions should be approached. The problems are also intertwined with the lack of political will and long term vision. Annamalai comes across as somebody with tremendous leadership skills and vision.
April 24, 2024
Such an eye-opening book and gives you a different perspective into the life of a policeman and the dynamics btw politicians and ppl/police.
Highly recc that you read this if you are looking for a quick read into the Singham's life
Highly recc that you read this if you are looking for a quick read into the Singham's life
July 30, 2025
I would never know about policing and policemen at this depth, if i have not read this book. Annamalai is very logical and to the point in explaining the reality.
March 28, 2023
Interesting and insightful. Simple narration
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews