<p>Pillai(61), who retired today after completing his two- year tenure in the challenging post, handed over charge to R K Singh, a 1975 batch IAS office from Bihar cadre. He always wore a smile and has been one of the most accessible home secretaries for the media.<br /><br />Pillai had a busy last day meeting a stream of people who had gathered at his North Block office to bid adieu.</p>.<p>He took charge of the ministry barely six months after the country had witnessed the deadliest terror strike in Mumbai on November 26, 2008 in which 166 people were killed.<br /><br />Pillai was actively involved in the daunting task of overhauling the security apparatus of the country and ensuring close coordination between various intelligence agencies working under the ministry.</p>.<p>During his tenure, Pillai has never shown signs of being overwhelmed by any difficult situation -- be it the German bakery blasts or a Maoist attack or the challenging security issues during Commonwealth Games.</p>.<p>Pillai always made himself available to the media and almost unfailingly quickly gave a preliminary assessment of any situation--be it Maoist attack or natural diasters or accidents.</p>.<p>His quick briefings for the media gave no scope for any ambiguity especially during times when speculation ruled the roost in the absence of correct inputs.<br /><br />Pillai, a strong supporter of reform of the security forces, set out the priorities for himself soon after he took over: Kashmir, Maoist insurgency and the northeast.</p>
<p>Pillai(61), who retired today after completing his two- year tenure in the challenging post, handed over charge to R K Singh, a 1975 batch IAS office from Bihar cadre. He always wore a smile and has been one of the most accessible home secretaries for the media.<br /><br />Pillai had a busy last day meeting a stream of people who had gathered at his North Block office to bid adieu.</p>.<p>He took charge of the ministry barely six months after the country had witnessed the deadliest terror strike in Mumbai on November 26, 2008 in which 166 people were killed.<br /><br />Pillai was actively involved in the daunting task of overhauling the security apparatus of the country and ensuring close coordination between various intelligence agencies working under the ministry.</p>.<p>During his tenure, Pillai has never shown signs of being overwhelmed by any difficult situation -- be it the German bakery blasts or a Maoist attack or the challenging security issues during Commonwealth Games.</p>.<p>Pillai always made himself available to the media and almost unfailingly quickly gave a preliminary assessment of any situation--be it Maoist attack or natural diasters or accidents.</p>.<p>His quick briefings for the media gave no scope for any ambiguity especially during times when speculation ruled the roost in the absence of correct inputs.<br /><br />Pillai, a strong supporter of reform of the security forces, set out the priorities for himself soon after he took over: Kashmir, Maoist insurgency and the northeast.</p>