Indian School of Business, Mohali

Good Evening!

I am pleased to be among a unique set of students – who are in fact leaders in their respective fields – but they have enrolled themselves in the Advance Management Programme in Public Policy at the prestigious Indian School of Business, Mohali Campus.

I am told this programme not only provides an opportunity to pause and upskill but also make sense of the dynamism around in a transforming world.

The course aims to refine the depth and width of public policy wisdom through three-fold interactions with faculty experts, diverse groups of peers, and policy makers, practitioners from India and abroad.

It is, therefore, fair for me to presume that after completing this programme, all of you will be equipped with a better understanding of public policies, initiatives, and their complexities and also the inbuilt challenges in ensuring their positive impact in terms of benefits reaching targeted groups, transparency and accountability in delivery system.

I would also like to thank ISB’s Bharti Institute of Public Policy for designing a high-end programme in public policy in consultation with The Fletcher School at Tufts University to address the needs of mid-career and senior-level professionals in public and private sectors.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am glad to know that the current class of Advance Management Programme in Public Policy has 50 participants from IAS, IPS, ITS, IRS, IES, Indian Army, Indian Railways and the private sector. What a wonderful fusion of professional diversity!

I am reminded of a famous observation made by our first Deputy Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: “It is your duty to serve the people of our country to the best of your ability. Be fair, be polite and firm! Prepare yourself well for the job in hand, and complete it successfully.”

Just imagine the kind of responsibility you have to discharge as the ‘Steel Frame’ of the country. What are your core values? Integrity, respect for diversity, professionalism, collaboration of thoughts and actions, and finally serving the underprivileged with humility. You need to be the voice of the underprivileged and proactive in addressing any injustice against them.

You all will agree if I say that the goal of good governance is at the core of public policies. You are the most important means to realize the dream of inclusive good governance, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji in mission statement – Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas. No one should be left out.

I would like to make a special mention of what has been achieved by young officer Tushar Sumera, District Collector of Bharuch district in Gujarat. He has ensured 100 per cent coverage of beneficiaries under four welfare schemes — Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, Niradhar Vrudh Sahay Yojana, Ganga Swaroop Arthik Sahay Yojana, and Rashtriya Kutumb Sahay Yojana.

It is undoubtedly our collective responsibility to ensure the development of all irrespective of their caste, religion, region, and political affiliations but you have to take the lead and go the extra mile in ensuring that benefits of public policies and welfare schemes lead to positive changes. You all are Karmyogis. You have capabilities to be a harbinger of hope and help for the needy.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have nearly 40 years of public life in different capacities – Member of Parliament, Union Minister for many years. Presently, being the Governor of the State Haryana, I am also the Chancellor of State universities.

On the basis of my experience, I can say that there is a scope for improvement in our functioning to take care of gaps in approaches. If there are gaps in our strategies and planning, then the going gets difficult so far as execution of programmes and policies are concerned.

We need to remember that every citizen of the country has a dream to lead an improved life. India as a nation has achieved a lot at 75. In the last eight years, we have seen the kind of boost which has been given to health, education, industry, infrastructure, and governance.

For the next 25 years, that is Amrit Kaal, there is a need to work much harder. No need to say that you all are full of innovative ideas and very much aware of your duties and responsibilities.

Managing business or administration is not only difficult but challenging as well. From out-of-the-box thinking, staying tuned to emerging technologies to increasing aspirations of the people, you all are well positioned to be an example for others.

Today, one out of every 10 unicorns globally has been born in India. We have 100 unicorns today and many more are likely to join the unicorn club in days to come. Today India has one of the largest start-up ecosystems in the world after the US and China.

The future belongs to us. Let us give our best to build a resilient and inclusive India.

My greetings to you all as we are going to complete 75 years of Independence on August 15, a great moment in our national life. Let us recall sacrifices and ideals of our freedom fighters and resolve to make an India of their dreams.

Thank You! Jai Hind!