Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today shedding light on the institutional challenges stressed that, “ Today's institutional challenges from within and without often stem from the erosion of meaningful dialogue and authentic expression. Both outpouring of expression and meaningful dialogue are priceless jewels of democracy. Expression and communication complement each other. Harmony between the two is the key to success.”

Underlining the importance of core values in any democracy, Shri Dhankhar said that, “Democracy thrives not just on systems, but on core values…..It has to be centred on the delicate balance of expression and dialogue. These twin forces, expression and dialogue, shape democratic vitality. Their progress is measured not by individual positions, but by the broader societal benefit. India's democratic journey exemplifies how diversity and vast demographic potential can fuel national progress. As we chart our path forward, we must recognize that democratic health and economic productivity are inseparable partners in national development”.

Addressing as Chief Guest at the 50 th Foundation Day Program of IP&TAFS at ICWA in New Delhi today, Shri Dhankhar said that,  “The ego in us is irrepressible, we have to work very hard to control our ego. Ego serves no one, but damages most the person who possesses it”.

Emphasising on the need for self audit, Shri Dhankhar said that,  “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. And therefore, self-audit, an audit beyond self, is essential”.

Addressing the Civil Servants he further said that, “ Modern civil servants must be tech savvy, facilitators of change, transcending traditional administrative boundaries. Service remains our cornerstone. Your roles as administrators, financial advisors, regulators and auditors must evolve to meet tomorrow's challenges. This evolution demands that we transform service delivery from traditional methods to cutting-edge solutions.”

“Let me tell you, you are more aware than I am. We are at the cusp of no less than another industrial revolution. Digital technologies have invaded us. They are with us in our home, in our office, everywhere. They offer challenges and opportunities. Artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, machine learning, blockchain and the like. We are feeling their heat. We have to measure up to the challenge, to convert the challenge into opportunities and make the life of everyone in this country seamlessly connected to his or her ambitions. I am happy to note that other services can emulate your methodology. Our services need to be more dynamic. They have to adapt to rapid technological challenges, societal challenges while maintaining foundational integrity. Our privilege of nation building now carries greater responsibility because we have to script and also architect, realise the vision of a developed nation at 2047”, he added.

Stressing on the cross departmental coordination and synergy between them, he stated, “ Cross-departmental collaboration becomes vital in an interconnected world. This is very important you see. We must be in synergy together, we must be in sync with each other. I have quite often impressed on everyone, the doctrine of separation of powers is nothing but that the three institutions, the judiciary, the executive and the legislature, they must act in tandem and togetherness. They must act in harmony”.

“Trust me, there will ever be issues in the family or in the system. Issues are organic. Issues help us go forward like a failure. A failure is not a setback, it propels you to attain success next time”, he added.

Urging the Civil Servants to bridge the digital divide Shri Dhankhar said that, “ Focus on bridging the digital divide through innovative financing models for rural technology adoption. I'm so happy to note it's a priority with the Honourable Minister. With the world's largest youth population, which we call demographic dividend envy of everyone in the world, India's demographic dividend offers unprecedented opportunities. Your digital initiatives must harness this young talent pool through skilled development and digital entrepreneurship.”

Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of Communication & Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Manish Sinha, Member Finance, Digital Communications Commission and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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JK/RC/SM