Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday called upon civil servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity, innovation, and public service, stating that “with great power comes great responsibility,” while addressing the 18th Civil Services Day celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
Extending his greetings to serving and retired officers, the Vice President recalled how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had described civil servants as the “steel frame of India” in 1947. He noted that successive generations of officers have upheld this legacy, playing a crucial role in nation-building and serving as ambassadors of unity across states.
Highlighting India’s progress in recent years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, V-P Radhakrishnan pointed to key achievements such as poverty reduction, large-scale housing for the poor, and the transformation of border villages. He emphasised that the guiding principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” must be reflected in the lives of every citizen.
V-P Radhakrishnan described civil servants as the backbone of governance and credited their dedication for the effective implementation of flagship programmes like the Aspirational Districts Programme and One District One Product initiative. However, he cautioned that India still has “miles to go” on its journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, urging officers to focus on last-mile delivery and inclusive growth.
Addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the Vice President stressed the need for continuous skill upgradation. He encouraged officers to leverage emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Blockchain to improve efficiency and transparency in governance. He also highlighted platforms like iGOT Karmayogi as key tools for capacity building.
Calling for reforms in governance, V-P Radhakrishnan said the era of relying solely on generalists is over and emphasised the need for specialised expertise in administration. He urged states to adopt forward-looking recruitment policies to strengthen institutional capacity.
The Vice President also underscored the importance of ethical leadership, quoting Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar on righteousness as the highest form of wealth. He urged officers to distinguish between legitimate guidance and undue pressure, and to uphold honesty and fairness in all circumstances.
Welcoming the rising participation of women in civil services, V-P Radhakrishnan noted that their representation has increased from around 21% in 2016 to nearly 31% in the 2025 examination cycle. He described this as a reflection of “Nari Shakti” and a significant shift in societal mindset, expressing hope for similar progress in legislative bodies.
V-P Radhakrishnan also drew attention to the intense competition in civil services examinations, with over a million candidates appearing annually and only about 1,000 selected. He reminded officers of their privileged position and urged them to remain committed to serving citizens with empathy and dedication.
Referring to the recently dedicated Sewa Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan, the Vice President said these institutions symbolise the values of duty, service, and national commitment. He called on civil servants to ensure that governance reaches the remotest corners of the country, transforms lives, and strengthens the principles of equality, dignity, and justice.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, senior officials, and dignitaries were also present at the event.
