New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the biggest goal of 21st century India is the goal of becoming self-reliant and modern. 


PM Modi made the statement while addressing the Valedictory Function of 96th Common Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy Of Administration (LBSNAA) via video conferencing.


He also inaugurated the new sports complex and dedicated the revamped Happy Valley Complex to the Nation.






Speaking to the IAS trainees, he said: "Over the years, I have spoken to civil servants of many batches, met and spent a long time with them. But your batch is very special. You are starting your work in the 75th year of India's independence."


"Many of us will not be there when India enters its 100th year of independence. But this batch of yours will be there at the time. In this 'Amritkaal' of India's independence, you will have a huge role to play in the development that the country will undertake in the next 25 years," he added.


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Take Reform, Perform, Transform To Next Level In 'Amritkaal' Of India's Independence


The Prime Minister emphasised that at this point of the 21st century, the eyes of the whole world are on India.


"India has to play a bigger role in new world order emerging post-COVID. India has to grow at a fast pace," he said.


PM Modi asked the batch to work being mindful of the biggest goal of 21st century India, which is to become self-reliant and modern. 


He said that the Officer Trainees were made aware of Sardar Patel's vision during their training. The importance of service and sense of duty has been an integral part of it. "No matter how many years you remain in this service, this factor should be the measure of your personal and professional success," he added.


The Prime Minister also urged the civil servants to take decisions keeping in mind the last man standing. "You've to work by understanding the difference between files and fields. You'll have to connect with the field for the real feel," he said.


Bringing up the 'Amritkaal' of India's independence, PM Modi emphasised that "we have to take reform, perform, transform to the next level. That is why the India of today is moving forward in the spirit of 'sabka prayaas' (everyone's effort)."


He asked the IAS trainees to understand the importance of team effort and participation while advising that they always wish for challenging projects instead of getting into a comfort zone.


About 96th Foundation Course At LBSNAA 


The 96th Foundation Course is the first Common Foundation Course at LBSNAA based on the principles of Mission Karmayogi, with new pedagogy and course design. The batch comprises 488 Officer Trainees from 16 services and 3 Royal Bhutan Services (Administrative, Police, and Forest).


According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), a new pedagogy guided by the principles of 'Mission Karmayogi' was designed to harness the adventurous and innovative spirit of the youthful batch. Emphasis was put on transforming the Officer Trainee from a student/citizen into a public servant through initiatives like interaction with Padma Awardees in the spirit of  “Sabka Prayas” and village visits for an immersive experience of rural India.


Officer Trainees also visited villages in remote/border areas to understand the challenges faced by people living in these areas. Modular approach for Curriculum was adopted in consonance with the principle of continuous graded learning and self-guided learning.


In addition to health tests, fitness tests were also carried out to support the transition of an ‘exam burdened student’ to a ‘healthy youthful civil servant’. All 488 Officer Trainees were given first-level training in Krav Maga and in various other sports.


(With Agency Inputs)