Speaking at the 17th Civil Services Day in Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasised the pivotal role of civil servants in shaping the future of a developed India. He called upon the country’s bureaucrats to adopt the mantra of ‘Naagrik Devo Bhava’ — likening the respect traditionally accorded to guests in Indian culture (Atithi Devo Bhava) to how civil servants should approach their duty towards citizens.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the last decade has seen India undergo transformative changes across multiple sectors, laying a robust foundation for the grand ambition of Viksit Bharat by 2047. However, he acknowledged that the journey ahead is not without challenges. With India now being the world’s most populous nation, ensuring that every citizen has access to essential services and infrastructure is more crucial than ever. He urged administrators to prioritise the needs of the underserved and focus relentlessly on reaching the last mile.
Emphasising the need to balance technological progress with empathy, Modi urged civil servants to remember that human judgment cannot be replaced. “Hear the voices of the poor, feel their pain, and make solving their issues your topmost duty,” he advised, urging them to become active agents in building the India of tomorrow.
The Prime Minister also addressed the evolving nature of governance, stating that the performance of the current administration should not be measured by the benchmarks set by previous regimes. Instead, he encouraged setting fresh goals and measuring progress by how close the nation is to achieving its 2047 vision.
Turning attention to India’s global stature, Modi cited the G20 Presidency as a testament to India’s growing leadership. He pointed out the wide-ranging engagements held in over 60 cities, reflecting India’s inclusive and decentralised approach to diplomacy and governance.
He also spotlighted the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups in propelling the Mission Manufacturing initiative. With the global market as their playground, he said, Indian entrepreneurs must be equipped to compete at an international level.
During the event, PM Modi also released e-Coffee Table Books showcasing innovations in public administration and recognised exemplary efforts by government bodies through the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.
