Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered an inspiring speech on Sunday, invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s Talisman and urging young civil servants and aspirants to consider the welfare of the poorest individuals when making decisions. Addressing a gathering of successful candidates of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams and civil services aspirants, Singh emphasised the importance of empathising with the most vulnerable members of society.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Singh urged the audience to recall the face of the poorest person they have encountered and to consider how their decisions would impact that individual. By prioritising the well-being of those at the bottom rung of society, Singh asserted that civil servants would attain a sense of self-satisfaction and contribute to positive change. Singh, who is the current Lok Sabha MP from Lucknow and a former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the significant rise in India’s stature on the international stage over the past nine years. He noted that the world now pays closer attention to India, citing the diligent preparations made by global superpower, the United States of America, when hosting India’s Prime Minister, as well as the foreign media’s coverage of India’s success stories.
Speaking to the gathered audience, Singh emphasised the responsibility they would shoulder in shaping India’s future during the transformative “Amrit Kaal” (Golden Era). He urged them to be prepared for upcoming challenges and to work together towards developing the nation. He encouraged future officers to collaborate with public representatives, listen to their suggestions, and implement those that are appropriate and beneficial for the people they serve.
Singh also emphasised the importance of nurturing the inner child and never allowing it to die, despite the various challenges and dilemmas they may encounter throughout their careers. He quoted an Urdu couplet to express the complexities of moral dilemmas in life.
Furthermore, Singh stressed the significance of maintaining a strong moral compass and advised the young civil servants to always follow their conscience. Drawing from his own experiences, he assured them that although difficulties may arise, staying true to one’s principles would guide them through challenging times. Recognizing the remarkable achievements of women in the civil services exams in recent years, Singh commended their performance, with girls occupying the top three positions and 14 out of the top 25 ranks.
He described their success as a testament to the changing face of India and its progress towards becoming a new India.
In conclusion, Singh’s address motivated and inspired the gathering of aspiring civil servants, urging them to prioritise the welfare of the poorest individuals and serve the nation with integrity, empathy, and dedication.
