Former IAS officer Vivek Atray unveils sixth book ‘Not So RANDOMLY YOURS’

Chandigarh, June 14, 2026: Former IAS officer, motivational speaker and author Vivek Atray has unveiled his sixth book titled ‘ Not So RANDOMLY YOURS' at the UT Guest House here.

The book brings together 120 carefully curated articles from his widely appreciated ‘Random Forays’ column published in the print media over the past five years. The collection is a unique blend of humour, reflection and insight into contemporary life, presented in Atray’s signature light, accessible and engaging style.

Speaking to the media on the side-lines of the launch, Atray said: “This book is essentially a journey of observations collected over the years. I wanted to present complex ideas in a simple, easy-to-read and digestible format. My aim has always been to raise perspective, not preach. These essays are meant to gently nudge readers towards thinking differently about everyday life.”

Meanwhile, the book launch was graced by several eminent personalities including Gen VP Malik, former Chief of Army Staff; TVSN Prasad, Chief Information Commissioner, Haryana; Lt Gen KJS Dhillon(Retd.), also popular as Tiny Dhillon; Neena Atray; and the author himself, who jointly released the book.

Atray, known for his distinctive narrative voice, described the new book as ‘motivational non-fiction’ that differs from his earlier works through its sharper focus on contemporary issues while maintaining an informal, conversational tone that appeals to a wide readership.

Atray noted, “At the heart of all the newspaper columns that form part of the book is a common message – seek inner peace, reduce over thinking, strengthen family bonds and maintain mental toughness in all circumstances. I believe true success is not external alone. It is deeply internal.”

According to him, ‘ Not So RANDOMLY YOURS’ spans ten broad thematic pillars - Governance, Relationships, Spirituality, Sports, Leadership, Humour, AI times, The Battle of the Mind, Careers and the India Vibe.

What sets the book apart is its ability to traverse seemingly unrelated subjects such as governance frameworks, quick commerce trends, and even everyday human experiences like sneezing bouts, all under one cohesive philosophical thread.

The central essence of the book, according to Atray, lies in cultivating mental clarity and emotional balance in an increasingly complex world.

The book highlights recurring life lessons such as the importance of reduced screen time, the need for meaningful human connection, and the pursuit of what Atray describes as ‘divine friendship with God.’

It is worth mentioning that Atray’s distinguished career as a former IAS officer significantly informs his writing style. His experiences in governance, public policy and administration provide a grounded perspective, while his work as a motivational speaker enables him to communicate complex ideas in an engaging manner.

“Writing is the essence of my creativity,” Atray shared. “My years in public service taught me to observe people and situations closely. I now try to see life through a writer’s eyes, where every interaction has a story and every moment has meaning.”

Atray’s earlier works include the romantic comedy novels ‘Move on Bunny’ and ‘Dubey ji Bounces Back’ along with motivational non-fiction titles such as ‘Finding Success Within’, ‘It’s Still a Wonderful Life’ and ‘The Middle of Everything’.