Punctuality and the Clock | Leadership Lessons from Mr. Amalraj IPS
& A Few of My Lovely Students
#newspaperinlearning #rolemodels
23rd May 2026
I was so happy to read a news article in today’s The Times of India & The Hindu newspapers, Chennai Edition, on Mr. Amalraj IPS, taking charge as the Police Commissioner of Greater Chennai.
Yes! I felt so happy for him on his promotion to this prestigious office.
The reason?
I’ve had the blessed opportunity of witnessing first hand, his amazing sense of punctuality and discipline, during my tenure in the Deanery of Student Affairs.
On an aside, personally, I’ve got the greatest admiration for Mr. Amalraj, because of the fact that he is an accomplished writer as well. He has authored several successful books as an IPS Officer. An IPS officer doubling up as a writer is a lovely combo, ain’t it?
Coming back –
In June 2022, Mr. Amalraj had taken charge as the new Police Commissioner of Tambaram.
As part of the Deanery of Student Affairs, we had then wanted to organise a Road Safety Awareness Programme, in collaboration with the NSS Unit of our College. Our Principal had wanted me to invite him personally for the programme, and so we got an appointment from his Office to meet with him.
We were promptly informed that, he would like to meet us at 11.30 am in his (Commissioner’s) Office. We were there much ahead of time, waiting to meet, interact and invite him. Sharp at 11.30 am he asked his Private Secretary to invite us into his office. We had a short and rewarding time of interactions with him, and the gentleman promised us that he would be there in Campus on time.
As promised, he was there on time – in fact 20 minutes ahead of time – and then after the formal welcome and honour given by our Principal, he came to the event venue sharp at 10 am.
During his lecture at the event venue – the Chemistry Seminar Hall – he gave some very valuable advice for students.
Here goes Mr. Amalraj IPS -
When does rashness happen?
Rashness happens only when you’re late. So you should remember to start early. By habit you should make it a point to start a bit early.
In the police force, we have a saying –
‘To be a successful police officer be a bit early to office. Remain a bit late in office’.
Never rush.
We used to have periodic meetings in the Marina office. Some officers always come well in advance.
For them it’s become a habit. When the Chief Minister calls for a meeting, we’re there on time. Once you make it a daily routine, it becomes part of your habit.
80% of the work that we do, happens because of our habit: be it the dress we wear, the food we eat, or the friends with whom we talk, etc.
Similarly, the habit of being early a bit always helps in preventing accidents.
To catch a bus, be there a bit in advance. Tell this to your friends and relatives as well.
The beauty of life is not just winning. It’s about following rules.
Winning is always there. You will always win. Win depends on your opponent. If your opponent is a child, you win easily. At the same time, if your opponent is tougher than you, then it’s quite a task to win!
So what matters is, follow the rules and win. When you write an exam, no one is watching, still you follow the rules. That's integrity. Winning that way, gives you credibility and integrity.
So to sum up what I’ve said –
1. Follow rules always
2. Be a bit early by habit on a regular basis.
3. Lead by example. Be a perfectionist.
said Mr. Amalraj, IPS. You may want to read his entire talk on our blogpost HERE.
Even as Mr. Amalraj IPS, takes on the prestigious mantle of Police Commissioner of Greater Chennai, his amazing sense of punctuality and discipline stand as living testaments to the fact that true leadership is not an accident; rather, it is the ultimate reward of a life governed by punctuality and discipline!
I am reminded of this timeless thought by eminent critic Scupin Richard –
Punctuality is not just about arriving on time; it is a profound expression of respect for your own commitments and the time of others.
Now, on a personal note –
I’ve always admired students who come to my classes ahead of time. Late comers? I really pity them and I feel so sad for them, and I so wish and pray that they come out of the chaos that has engulfed them! 😊
I would love to quote from a recent message I received from one of our best students – Fr. Jomon Joseph, (2022-24 Batch MA English) who has always been to my classes a record 10 - 15 minutes ahead of time.
You may want to read through our past blogposts on his name featuring in the Early to Class Club HERE.
Just two days ago, I heard the blessed news that he has been promoted as Vice Principal of a famous School in Kerala. So proud of you Fr. Jomon Joseph!
There’s a classic proverb that goes like this –
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men”.
A timeless reminder that punctuality, dedication, and true discipline will always open doors and bring elevation in life!
On that note, I take this opportunity to sincerely appreciate all my lovely students who have been consistently writing their blogs with such punctuality and discipline all through their holidays. I admire you guys. Keep it up!
I’m sure you will stand before kings!
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