Defense Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the closing ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on Saturday (November 29, 2025). During this, while referring to Operation Sindoor, he said that Operation Sindoor is an excellent example of civil-military coordination. He said the administrative machinery worked closely with the armed forces to maintain public confidence.
The Defense Minister called upon the young civil servants to understand their important role in protecting the national interests and always be prepared for such difficult situations like the brave soldiers. He said that Operation Sindoor is a shining example of civil-military integration, where the administrative machinery along with the armed forces communicated vital information and won the trust of the public.
‘The situation on the border could not become normal because of Pakistan’
The Defense Minister stressed that during Operation Sindoor, the armed forces responded in a balanced and unprovoked manner and destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK, but the situation on the border could not be normalized due to the misbehavior of the neighboring country. He praised the gallantry of the soldiers and also appreciated the work done by the administrative officials, saying that they communicated vital information and ensured successful conduct of the mock drill across the country.
‘Successfully explained people about mock drill’
The minister said the way mock drills were conducted across the country, and our administrative officials successfully explained and communicated the mock drills to the people, it is a great example of all of you being public servants. He said that all of you should also keep yourself mentally prepared for any such situation that may come in future.
Emphasis on making the country a developed India by the year 2047
The Defense Minister stressed on better coordination between governance and national security to make the country a developed India by the year 2047. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘minimum government, maximum governance’ and ‘reform, performance and change’, he said that civil servants have an important role in accelerating the goal of self-reliant and developed India. He said that when our government was formed in 2014, India was at 11th place in terms of economic size. In the last 9-10 years, we have reached the fourth position. Even highly reputed financial firms like Morgan Stanley now say that India can become the third largest economy in the next two-three years.
Rajnath Singh said that he is not just an idealistic protector but a servant of the people. You are not only a provider but also a facilitator of empowerment. May your character not be corrupted. Your conduct should be full of integrity. You must create a culture where integrity is neither a virtue nor an exception; Rather it should be a normal part of daily life. He urged the officials to act responsibly and with a sense of public accountability.
call to find solutions to problems
The Defense Minister called upon the young civil servants to work innovatively in the technology-driven era and find solutions to people’s problems. Referring to the success of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and Faceless Assessment Scheme of the Income Tax Department, he said that technology is playing the role of an enabler today.
Referring to the entire initiative of the Defense Ministry, Rajnath Singh said that it is an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automation system that analyzes defense procurement and payments in a transparent manner. He said that technology should be a medium, not an end. Defense Minister Kaha told the officers that you should use technology to increase public reach and transparency. Technology should be used to promote well-being and increase inclusivity.
‘Behave with the citizen with sympathy and understanding’
Rajnath Singh also stressed that as civil servants, the trainees should treat every citizen with empathy and understanding. He said that when officials interact with deprived or vulnerable sections of society, they should understand that people’s struggles are influenced not only by their efforts, but also by broader social and economic conditions. This is what makes an administrator truly people-centric and compassionate.
Appreciation of progress of women in civil services
Acknowledging the continued progress of women in the civil services, the Defense Minister said a woman has topped the latest UPSC exam and three of the top five candidates were women. He expressed confidence that by the year 2047, many women will reach the posts of Cabinet Secretaries and lead India’s development journey.
Rajnath Singh described the Foundation Course as not just a training module but a commitment to building an efficient, capable and sensitive governance system. He appreciated the comprehensive training system of LBSNAA, which makes it a holistic institution and strengthens the administrative capabilities of the country.
Mentioned about former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri
Reflecting on the legacy of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, the Defense Minister said that the academy established in his name is a symbol of courage, ingenuity and integrity. He recalled Lal Bahadur’s leadership in the 1965 war, his role in the Green Revolution and his message of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and urged officers to take inspiration from his example. On the occasion of 100th year of UPSC, he said that the partnership between UPSC and LBSNAA has shaped many generations of administrators and will continue to strengthen India’s governance structure.
Before this, Rajnath Singh paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also inaugurated an ODOP pavilion in the academy campus.
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