A self-assured India has entered Amrit Kaal on the heft of a buoyant economy, human resources, soft power, growing global influence, and with the Vedantic spirit of - one earth, one family, one future.

As India lands on the part of the moon where no nation has, the confidence and aspirations are shooting north. We will need fresh capabilities and governance paradigms to drive India on the trajectory to a developed nation by 2047.For this, higher civil services will have to engage harder, involve and drive, and provide leadership.

India is riding the wave of internet-based technologies that enable financial inclusion, seamless communication, access to health services, universal franchise, and disaster response.

We are now the fifthlargest global economy. Private sector participation in the economy is increasing. However, environmental and social risks have become mainstream for businesses over the past two decades.

We are conscious of the aggravating environmental crises such as a changing climate, loss of biodiversity, and polluted urban environment that have the potential to cause widespread disruption of human and natural systems. Recognising this, environmental restoration has gained centrality in the economic growth discourse and left the national and local governments in a huddle to meet the challenge. Well-preserved and productive natural ecosystems are necessary for economic growth.

Forests are the single largest use of public lands in the country. Consolidating the gains from successful forest and wildlife conservation, the sector is further aligning the management needs for a developed economy with citizen-centric governance.

My best wishes to the next generation of Forest officers undergoing 2-year induction training at various academies of the Directorate of Forest Education.

We have what it takes to succeed!