In a significant event today, the probationers of the Indian Forest Service (2022 batch) and officers/officer trainees of the Indian Defence Estates Service (2018 and 2022 batch) had the honor of meeting the esteemed President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
During the interaction, President Murmu commended the young civil servants for embarking on their career journeys at a crucial juncture when India assumed a prominent leadership role on the global stage. She highlighted that India’s rich cultural heritage and remarkable technological progress have garnered worldwide attention. The nation’s ability to blend tradition and technology harmoniously has been a remarkable achievement in itself.
Addressing the officers of the Indian Defence Estates Service, the President emphasized the importance of their role in ensuring eco-friendly and sustainable services and facilities. Stressing the significance of technology in effective governance, she urged them to constantly update their technical skills alongside their domain expertise. Utilizing technology to its fullest potential, especially in the administration of cantonments and management of defense lands, is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency.
Turning her attention to the probationers of the Indian Forest Service, President Murmu highlighted the close relationship between India’s climate, topography, and forest distribution. She underlined the invaluable contribution of forests and the wildlife they support to the nation’s heritage and resources. Moreover, the pressing global challenges of environmental degradation, deforestation, global warming, and climate change demand urgent attention and partnerships.
President Murmu noted that environmental conservation has become a paramount concern in the 21st century, and India has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices. She reminded the officers of the “LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment” mantra that India has offered to the world, emphasizing that forests play a pivotal role in its implementation. As representatives of the Indian Forest Service, the officers are entrusted with the responsibility of being key solution providers in this endeavor. Their unwavering dedication to practically implementing the LiFE mantra can have a far-reaching impact on environmental preservation.
The meeting with President Droupadi Murmu left the young civil servants inspired and motivated to carry out their duties with a renewed sense of purpose. As they embark on their respective career paths, they are acutely aware of the crucial role they will play in shaping India’s future as a responsible global leader, committed to preserving its cultural heritage and embracing technological progress while championing sustainable practices for the betterment of the planet.
