Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday introduced a new guiding principle for India’s civil servants — “Naagrik Devo Bhava” — calling on them to serve citizens with dedication and empathy as the nation strides towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Addressing the 17th Civil Services Day event at Vigyan Bhawan, PM Modi emphasized that while technology continues to evolve, the role of human judgment in governance remains irreplaceable.
“Like we say ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, I urge you to adopt the mantra of ‘Naagrik Devo Bhava’ — treat citizens as divine. Listening to their concerns and resolving their issues must be your top priority,” he said.
He acknowledged the transformative journey of the past decade, noting that India is now laying a robust foundation for becoming a developed nation. However, he also warned that the path ahead remains challenging, particularly as India has become the world’s most populous country.
“The needs and aspirations of our citizens are changing rapidly. The civil services must adapt quickly and focus on last-mile delivery and ensuring the saturation of basic amenities,” he stated.
PM Modi also stressed the importance of measuring progress not by comparisons with past governments but by the distance yet to be covered toward the 2047 development vision. “We must set our own benchmarks and shift from looking at what we’ve achieved to what still needs to be done,” he said.
Highlighting India’s global leadership, he praised the scale and inclusivity of India’s G20 presidency, citing over 200 meetings held across 60 cities as an example of the country’s holistic and innovative governance approach.
The Prime Minister also spoke about India’s focus on manufacturing and the role of MSMEs and startups. “To succeed in global supply chains, our entrepreneurs need to be globally competitive. They’re not just competing locally but with the entire world,” he noted.
Earlier in the event, PM Modi released two e-Coffee Table Books showcasing ‘Holistic Development of Districts’ and ‘Select Innovations’ under the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration. He also presented the awards to recognize outstanding implementation of key government initiatives and innovative governance practices by districts and state and central agencies.