President Droupadi Murmu addressed a gathering of 182 IAS officers from the 2021 batch, imparting valuable insights and inspiration for their service to the nation. The occasion was an interaction at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, where the President emphasized that their role transcended mere career ambitions, framing it as a mission dedicated to the betterment of India.
She conveyed the intrinsic connection between the destiny of these young officers and the nation's progress, highlighting the need for good governance within a framework of inclusivity and development. Stressing the importance of serving the nation and its people, President Murmu urged the officers to consider their collective goal: transforming India into an inclusive and developed nation by 2047.
Referring to this period as "Kartavya Kaal" (the era of duty), she underscored the immense demographic opportunity that this era presented, emphasizing the potential of these officers to empower fellow citizens across various fields. The President particularly lauded the demographic opportunity for them to contribute to reducing poverty, mentioning that India was on track to achieve SDG 1 (no poverty) ahead of the 2030 deadline.
President Murmu also championed the cause of marginalized sections of society, emphasizing that a compassionate civil servant who resonates with the poor and underprivileged distinguishes themselves as a true public servant rather than just an administrator. She urged the officers to view files and decisions with a people-centric perspective, recognizing the profound impact of their work on individuals.
The President commended the progress in women's empowerment, celebrating the passing of the historic 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' by both houses of Parliament. She took pride in the increasing number of women IAS officers, with 42% in the 2023 batch. The success of women, including securing 14 out of the top 25 ranks, signalled positive shifts in gender equality and inclusivity.
Regarding their training, President Murmu praised the well-structured training modules and Bharat Darshan experiences. She emphasized the importance of continuous learning, particularly as Assistant Secretaries who might interact more with files than people. Encouraging officers to always consider the individuals impacted by the files, she believed this approach would enhance their engagement with their work.
The President concluded her address by quoting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's vision for public servants, emphasizing their role in upholding the dignity, integrity, and incorruptibility of their service, with a primary focus on the well-being of India as a whole. She expressed confidence that by adhering to these principles, the officers would achieve success and glory in their service to the nation.
