ADDRESS BY THE HON'BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE OCCASION OF CALL- ON BY THE OFFICER TRAINEES OF INDIAN DEFENCE ESTATES SERVICE AND INDIAN FOREST SERVICE INCLUDING OFFICER TRAINEES FROM ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF BHUTAN

At the outset, I congratulate all of you for successfully clearing the competitive examinations and getting selected in the prestigious services. My special congratulations to the officer trainees from Bhutan. Your success in these tough examinations is a testimony to your calibre, your perseverance and determination.

It was nice to listen to your rich training experiences. I am happy to know about the learnings that you had through various interactions and the exposure that you got during your attachments and visits. I am sure that during this period, you have made great friends who will stand by you throughout your life.

Dear young officers,

I am told that your groups comprise officers from diverse backgrounds. Young officers from diverse backgrounds work together as part of one service for achieving shared goals of the country. You all truly represent and promote India’s ‘unity in diversity’.

I can see a few women officers in this gathering of young civil servants. I wish to meet more women officers in both these services in times to come. I am sure that women will contribute significantly and bring forth a different perspective both as forest officials and Defence Estate managers.

Your journey as civil servants has begun at a time when India is acquiring a leadership role at global level. India attracts global attention for its cultural prosperity as well as its technological advancements. India has shown to the world that technology and traditions can go hand in hand.

Dear officer trainees of Indian Defence Estates Service,

I had shared with another group of your service that Directorate General of Defence Estates is the largest land holding agency under the Government of India. The Cantonment Boards have always been known for organized and planned land use, best civic amenities, and clean environment. With the advent of technology, it is your responsibility that you set higher benchmarks in ensuring high quality services to residents. It is also your duty to ensure that the services and facilities that you provide are eco-friendly and sustainable.

Dear young officers,

We all know that technology is a great enabler for good governance and therefore, you must keep updating your technical skills along with domain expertise. Technology should be utilized to the maximum possible extent for effective administration of the cantonments and management of defence lands.

I am told that Directorate General of Defence Estates has developed an Artificial Intelligence based software which can automatically detect ground activities such as unauthorized constructions. I am happy to know that eChhawani Portal has also been launched to improve citizen interaction with Cantonment Boards.

Dear probationers of Indian Forest Service (IFS)

You have been selected as protectors of country’s forest wealth during Amrit Kaal, the era of the country's transformative development. As Forest Officers, you will play an important role in realizing the country's dreams of all-round and inclusive development by working diligently and contributing your best.

As I have shared with another batch of your service earlier, forests add to our natural wealth and geographical diversity. India’s climate and topography is closely connected to its forest distribution. Forests and the wildlife that they support are invaluable resources and heritage of our country. They are also a source of livelihood for many communities.

Dear officers,

The threats of environmental degradation, depletion in forest cover, global warming and climate change are at the center stage in global discourse and partnerships. That is why environment conservation has become a key concern for the 21 st century. Forests are an integral part of the solution and you are among the solution-providers. It is time to understand the huge responsibility entrusted upon you and perform to the best of your abilities.

India has given the mantra of "LiFE - Lifestyle for Environment" to the world. You all as young officers of the Indian Forest Service, are expected to put in untiring efforts for the practical implementation of this Mantra.

I once again congratulate all the officers and trainees present here. I extend my good wishes to you all for a successful career ahead. I also extend my best wishes to the officer trainees from Bhutan for your bright future.

Thank you, 
Jai Hind! 
Jai Bharat!