New Delhi: At the 50th Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Posts & Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi on Saturday, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted the significance of communication, self-reflection and technological adaptation in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.
In his address as the Chief Guest at the event, Dhankhar highlighted the growing institutional challenges faced by democracy today. He pointed out that these challenges often stem from the erosion of meaningful dialogue and authentic expression, both of which are “priceless jewels of democracy.”
“Democracy thrives not just on systems, but on core values,” he said, noting that India’s democratic experience demonstrates how diversity and a vast demographic potential can drive national progress. He further connected democratic health with economic productivity, asserting that the two must go hand-in-hand for the country to achieve sustainable development. “As we chart our path forward, we must recognize that democratic health and economic productivity are inseparable partners in national development,” He said.
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Addressing the importance of self-awareness and humility, Dhankhar urged the civil servants to keep their egos in check. “The ego in us is irrepressible, we have to work very hard to control it. Ego serves no one, but damages the person who possesses it,” he remarked. He also highlighted the need for continuous self-audit, stating that institutions and individuals must always remain open to scrutiny to avoid degeneration.
“Friends, audit, self-audit is very important. The surest way to bring about degeneration of an individual or an institution, it will keep it or the gentleman or gentle lady from scrutiny. You are beyond scrutiny, your degeneration is assured,” he said.
Dhankhar also discussed the evolving role of civil servants in the digital age, stressing the importance of being tech-savvy and adaptive. “Modern civil servants must be facilitators of change, transcending traditional boundaries,” he said. He acknowledged the growing influence of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, and called on civil servants to harness these innovations to transform service delivery. The Vice President emphasized the responsibility of civil servants in shaping India’s future and building a developed nation by 2047.
The Vice President also stressed the need for cross-departmental collaboration in today’s interconnected world. He likened the importance of synergy among the judiciary, executive and legislature to the harmony needed in a family. “Issues are organic,” he stated, “and help us move forward, like failure, which propels you to success.”
Focusing on bridging the digital divide, Dhankhar urged civil servants to prioritise rural technology adoption through innovative financing models, especially in a country with the world’s largest youth population. “Your digital initiatives must harness this young talent pool through skill development and digital entrepreneurship,” he concluded.
The event was also attended by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communication and Development of North Eastern Region, and Manish Sinha, Member of Finance at the Digital Communications Commission, among other dignitaries.
