ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRI RAM NATH KOVIND ON THE OCCASION OF CALL ON BY THE OFFICER TRAINEES OF CENTRAL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Rashtrapati Bhavan : 15.10.2018
1. I welcome you to Rashtrapati Bhavan. I congratulate each of you, that is, the officer trainees among the Assistant Executive Engineers and Deputy Architects of the Central Public Works Department, for having successfully cleared a very rigorous examination. This is no doubt a very proud moment for you and your families. Your batch comprises the youth and energy of India from different states and regions. The training experiences just shared by probationers, from different backgrounds, show the true character of India – the unity in our diversity. I am delighted to note that of the 97 probationers present today 22 or about one in four are women. This is a welcome trend and must be encouraged till women reach parity in all our public services. In particular, India needs more and more of its young women to enter the engineering and technology space.
2. I have been told that most of you have graduated from premier technical institutions, including the IITs and NITs. Despite many job options, you have chosen to join CPWD, a premier engineering, design and construction organisation of the government of India. You have opted for not just a career but a service to the people of our country. I commend you for this choice.
3. These are exciting times for India. We are a country on the rise and the world’s fastest-growing large economy. Our GDP grew at a scorching 8.2 per cent in the previous quarter. Many of our ambitious national programmes — such as Make In India, Smart Cities, Digital India and Swachh Bharat – cannot be successful without your efforts. Your careers will provide an enormous platform in this transformational era. All of you shall be designing and building the country’s future, literally. I am sure you will make this opportunity count.
4. With a proud legacy of 160 years, CPWD has played a pivotal role in nation building, including in the creation of Rashtrapati Bhavan. After Independence, CPWD has been involved in infrastructure development in sectors ranging from agriculture to aviation, sports stadiums to scientific facilities, hospitals to public offices, roads and flyovers and many others. I am happy to note CPWD’s contribution in significant projects related to national security, such as contributing to fencing and lighting along international borders.
5. It is appropriate that I am meeting you today. Earlier this morning, I paid tribute to my illustrious predecessor and a proud son of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, on his birth anniversary. Dr Kalam trained as an engineer and became famous as a missile technologist. He could have earned millions in the West, but he chose to devote his learning and his life to the development of our country. All of us as Indians must draw inspiration from him.
6. The issue of sustainability and energy efficiency is critical in view of climate change and related environmental concerns. You must ensure that buildings, roads and other infrastructure you create are energy efficient and environment-friendly. I am happy to note that CPWD is promoting modern construction technologies that result in significant reduction in air and noise pollution and optimum use of water. Please strive to keep pace with emerging green and clean technologies.
7. The government of India has launched the Accessible India Programme to achieve universal accessibility for differently-abled persons. Do ensure that the public infrastructure you build – be it offices, residences or roads – is accessible to our differently-abled fellow citizens. While formal codes in this regard may exist, projects on the ground need to do more to ensure ease of access. This aspect should not be treated as an add-on to an infrastructure project but should become integral to planning and implementation.
8. Architects and engineers work in close conjunction. India is maturing as a country, and building larger institutions including larger infrastructure. While focusing on functionality we should also be mindful of aesthetics. Our Smart Cities should be efficient and people-friendly but also aesthetically pleasing. This is where architects and engineers can collaborate and play an important role. That apart, land is at a premium in our country. As you re-imagine India and its infrastructure, build vertically - but without compromising safety parameters. India has a wide landscape; its future lies in a tall landscape.
9. You are embarking on an exciting journey. You must nurture a spirit of innovation and emerge as solution providers in the midst of challenges. And you must do so with humility and compassion and try to give back to society, especially to the less well-off. While discharging your duties, you must maintain the highest standards of integrity; that is non-negotiable. With those words, I wish all of you professional success and personal happiness in the years ahead.