NOTES FROM WILLINGDON ISLAND: The Past, the Present and the Future of Cochin Port and Its Hinterland

By N. Ramachandran, IPS (RETD)

There were two clear leadership choices: the easier path was to turn a blind eye to highhandedness, kettu kooli, kavadam kadathu kooli, and other forms of extortion. The tougher path required confronting these issues head-on, fully aware that doing so could provoke repeated strikes and unrest. Should one preserve peace or opt for a painful surgery to remove deep-rooted malpractices once and for all?

Notes from Willingdon Island is a compelling account of teamwork and transformation. It chronicles the bitter struggles for labour reform, the determined fight against entrenched practices, and the fierce resistance that followed. The book provides a rare insider’s perspective on executing mega infrastructure projects and implementing a comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning system, leading to a profound operational and cultural change.

Set against the broader socio-economic backdrop of Kerala, it explores themes of industrial stagnation, labour politics, and governance challenges. The book raises thought-provoking questions to spark public debate on charting a transformative path for Kerala’s economic diversification. Most importantly, it makes a strong case for a shared vision across political lines to build consensus on core development priorities.

N. RAMACHANDRAN had a distinguished career in the Indian Police Service, serving in several sensitive districts of Assam and later as the State’s Intelligence Chief from 1997 to 2000—a period marked by intense violence from insurgent groups such as ULFA and NDFB. Handpicked for the elite Special Protection Group, he was entrusted with the security of several successive Indian Prime Ministers. He rose to the rank of Director General of Police in Assam and later served as the Police Chief of Meghalaya.

Ramachandran firmly believes that public officials must uphold constitutional principles, maintain integrity, offer sound advice, and resist illegitimate political pressures, even at the risk of falling out of favour. Ardently committed to the rule of law, he founded the Indian Police Foundation (IPF), India’s premier think tank dedicated to strengthening grassroots law enforcement. As IPF’s President, he actively engages with police organisations, universities, and training institutions, contributing to research and ideation in policing, governance reforms, and national security.

This book draws on his experiences as Chairman of Cochin Port (2005–2011).