Address by the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu on the Occasion of Call on by the Probationers of the Military Engineer Services

Dear probationers of Military Engineer Services,

I congratulate you all for your selection in these prestigious services which will give you an opportunity to serve our armed forces. I am told that officers present here today belong to Indian Defence Service of Engineers, Architect cadre and Surveyor cadre of MES.

You have joined the services at a time when India has just entered into the Amrit Kaal and has also assumed G20 Presidency. It is the time when the world is looking towards India for new innovations and solutions.

As officers of Military Engineer Services (MES), you will be instrumental in providing rear line engineering support to all the defence arms, that is, Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and other organizations. The dedicated engineering support that you provide to the armed forces enhances their overall performance and keeps them prepared to meet any exigencies.

I am told that MES carries out design and construction of residential and office buildings, hospitals, roads, runways and marine structures across the country including the border areas. You are responsible for maintenance and service of all the facilities and assets even in the most difficult terrains of India.

Dear probationers

As young officers in the field of construction, you have a prime duty to care for the environment also. We must move towards increased use of renewable energy for sustainable development.

I am told the MES is greatly contributing in reducing the national carbon footprint by completing large number of Solar Photovoltaic projects. You are also undertaking several measures in the field of energy conservation. GRIHA green building norms are also being incorporated in major projects. You can also innovate and use new building materialsthat protectresidents from hazardous chemicals. The overall human well-being increases when surrounded by natural materials. Such materials are eco-friendly and result in improved indoor air quality.

I am also told that MES is promoting use of ‘Make in India’ products in line with our vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. I am happy to know that MES has also been at the forefront in providing assistance to civil administration as and when called for.

Dear officers,

Construction sector is very dynamic and the technologies are changing very fast. We all know that the construction sector plays a major role in economic growth and development. You can contribute immensely in developing infrastructure usingmodern tools of project management.

You should also make use of cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence in your future projects. This will help in a more efficient design and a reduced time frame for construction.

At the COP 27, India said that the world urgently needs to move from mindless and destructive consumption to mindful and deliberate utilization. India highlighted the role of human beings as trustees of planet earth and stressed on the need to nurture it through sustainable lifestyles. I am happy to know that MES is taking steps in this direction and has completed first ever 3D Printed Houses at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. You should try to use more such technologies that are cost effective and help in avoiding wastage. You should also promote recycling of materials wherever possible.

Dear probationers,

You should use the information and communication technologies to improve the service delivery mechanism and move towards more efficient governance. Our soldiers are always ready to lay down their lives for the country and countrymen. You should feel privileged to provide service and support to the brave sons and daughters of the motherland.

Dear officers,

I would also like to emphasize the need for more number of women officers in MES. In recent times, we have seen increase in participation of women in our Armed Forces. Whether in combat roles or medical services of Defence forces, a significant push is being given to women empowerment. This positive change would be hopefully visible in Military Engineer Services also.

In the end, I urge you all again to dedicate yourself to the service of the nation. I convey my best wishes to you for a shining career and an eventful life.

Thank you, 
Jai Hind! 
Jai Bharat!