THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

.    Registrar, DU, Dr. Vikas Gupta,
.    Principal, Hansraj College, Prof. (Dr.) Ramaji,
.    Director (IQAC), Hansraj College, Ms. Alka Kacker,
.    Convener, Nishtha Society (HRC), Dr. Prabhansu Ojha,
.    Distinguished guests, faculty members and my dear students,

India's civilisational journey, has always viewed development,  not merely in material, or economic terms, but as something closely connected, to ethics, duty, social responsibility, and collective welfare. In our tradition, progress has never been separated,  from service. The idea of "seva", has historically remained, central to how, Indian society understood leadership, education, and nation-building.  

From ancient scriptures, to modern nation-building efforts, the Indian worldview, has consistently taught, that an individual's progress, is meaningful, only when, it contributes, to the well-being of society.

The foundations of this philosophy, can be found, in the Vedas, and other ancient texts, which emphasise harmony, duty, and universal welfare.

These principles shaped a culture, where helping others, supporting the vulnerable, and working for the common good, became moral responsibilities.

Our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, has emphasized: "In Indian culture, development is viewed, in a holistic manner. It is not limited to economic growth, or material prosperity, alone. True development includes, moral progress, social harmony, environmental balance, and cultural strength."

His words remind us, that the values of service, and responsibility, must be carried forward, by the younger generation, who hold the key to India's future.   Across the globe, societies that place their youth, at the heart of development, have consistently shown, innovation and long-term strength.

Mahatma Hansraj Ji, represented precisely, these values. He belonged to a generation, that saw education, not merely as a path, to personal success, but as an instrument, of social transformation, and national awakening. At a remarkably young age, he dedicated himself, to institution-building, and public service. The institutions he helped nurture, were built on discipline, sacrifice, character, and a larger sense of responsibility, towards society.

Indian traditions, have long advocated, balance between human needs, and nature, encouraging sustainable living, and responsible use of resources. Village communities, local self-reliance, and collective participation, were historically important, elements of India's social structure.

That vision remains relevant, even today, especially as India moves towards, the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047. Modern India, continues to draw inspiration, from these cultural values. Efforts toward inclusive growth, social justice, environmental conservation, public welfare, and community participation, reflect the enduring influence, of India's civilisational ethos. The spirit of voluntary service, during natural disasters, community initiatives, and social campaigns, demonstrates how deeply, the idea of collective responsibility, remains embedded in Indian society.

Thus, service and development, in Indian culture, are deeply interconnected. Service gives development, a humane and ethical foundation, while development ensures dignity, opportunity, and progress, for all sections of society. Together, they represent the vision of an India, that grows, not only in strength and prosperity, but also in compassion, responsibility, and social harmony.

On this note, i would like to congratulate, the students being felicitated today, for qualifying the UPSC, and State Civil Services examinations, but you must carry with you, this mantra, as you enter a prestigious service!

Public service is not a privilege, but  a responsibility. Civil servants, occupy positions where decisions directly influence the lives of citizens. The quality of governance, in any nation, ultimately depends, upon the integrity, competence, empathy, and commitment of those, who enter public institutions.

As you begin this journey, remember that administration, is not only, about authority. It is about responsibility. It requires patience, balance, humility, and the ability, to listen. The finest public servants, are often those, who remain grounded, accessible, and conscious, of the larger purpose, behind their work.

For students who are present here today; you are moving into an increasingly competitive, and uncertain world, one important lesson is, that success should never be viewed, only in personal terms. Every profession, whether in government, academia, business, technology, law, media, or the arts, ultimately contributes to shaping society. The question is, not only what career, one chooses, but also what values, one brings into that profession.

India today, stands at an important moment, in its history. The coming decades, will demand strong institutions, scientific thinking, social cohesion, innovation, environmental responsibility, and ethical leadership. Achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 will therefore, require not only policy, and investment, but also character, and collective responsibility.

That is why the life and legacy, of Mahatma Hansraj Ji, continues to matter.

He reminds us, that institution-building, requires patience. That education must remain, connected to values. And that service to society, is not an abstract ideal, but a lifelong commitment.

To the students, present here, today: remain curious, disciplined, and rooted. The world will continue to, change rapidly, but integrity, compassion, hard work, and a sense of purpose, will always remain, relevant.

May you continue, to contribute meaningfully, to your communities, your institutions, and to the nation.

Thank you.        
Jai Hind.