Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a powerful address at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie on Saturday, where he praised administrative officials for their exceptional performance during the nationwide mock drills conducted under Operation Sindoor.
Commendation for Public Outreach Efforts
Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the 100th foundation course at LBSNAA, Singh described the officials' conduct as a "brilliant example" of public service. He specifically highlighted the effective public outreach demonstrated by administrative officials during the critical mock drill period.
The defence minister emphasized that these drills formed an essential component of India's preparedness strategy following the armed forces' strikes on Pakistan-based terror camps. "Our forces destroyed Pakistan-based terrorist camps during Op Sindoor," Singh revealed to the gathering of trainee officers.
Security Context and Border Situation
Singh provided crucial context about the operational aftermath, stating that while India had delivered a "highly balanced response" that was not escalatory, Pakistan's attitude prevented the border situation from returning to normalcy after the operation.
The defence minister stressed the vital connection between governance and national security, particularly in India's journey toward becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047. He underscored the need for stronger coordination between these two critical domains to ensure the nation's comprehensive security and development.
Guidance for Future Civil Servants
Addressing the young civil service trainees, Singh urged them to maintain constant preparedness for future contingencies. He emphasized the importance of both mental readiness and administrative clarity in handling emergency situations effectively.
The minister outlined the pivotal role civil servants play in driving India's progress toward self-reliance and comprehensive development. He called upon them to embrace innovation and technology-driven solutions, noting that "technology is today playing the role of an enabler" in governance and public service.
Singh also acknowledged the significant rise of women in the Civil Services, highlighting that a woman secured the top rank in the latest UPSC examination and three of the top five candidates were women.
Concluding his address, the defence minister emphasized that civil servants must approach every citizen with empathy and understanding, reinforcing the human element in administration and governance.
