19-08-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand to Indian Forest Service Probationers and PSUC Officers
Jai Hind!
Hon’ble Vice President, distinguished guests present here, young Probationary Officers of the Indian Forest Service, senior officers undergoing the Professional Skill Upgradation Course, and all distinguished dignitaries!
I extend my respectful greetings to you all.
It is a matter of immense pleasure and pride for me to be present among young officers who are preparing themselves to protect the country’s forests and natural resources and to serve the nation, here in Uttarakhand—the Devbhoomi and a priceless treasure of nature.
On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt welcome and greetings to the Hon’ble Vice President on his visit to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. In your august presence, this interaction with the future custodians of the nation’s natural wealth is a moment of great pride and inspiration for all of us.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the young Probationary Officers of the 2025 batch of the Indian Forest Service and to the senior officers undergoing training under the Professional Skill Upgradation Course.
By choosing this prestigious service, you have accepted the responsibility of protecting India’s natural heritage and ensuring a secure future for generations to come. The important responsibility of conserving forests, wildlife, biodiversity, water resources, and the environment rests on your shoulders.
My dear colleagues,
From my experience of military service, I have learned that the strength of a nation lies not only in safeguarding its borders but also in the strength of its natural resources, human capital, and values. A soldier on the border protects the geographical boundaries of the country, while you will serve as guardians of its natural wealth. Therefore, your service is also an important dimension of national security.
Today, climate change, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters are serious challenges. At such a time, the role of the Indian Forest Service has become even more significant.
Forests are not merely collections of trees. They are sources of water, the foundation of life, guardians of biodiversity, and an invaluable heritage for future generations.
Your responsibility becomes even greater in the context of the Himalayas. The Himalayas are the foundation of our rivers, water sources, and biodiversity, and they are closely connected with the lives of millions of people. Therefore, protecting the Himalayas is not merely about environmental conservation; it is also about safeguarding India’s future and national interest.
My young colleagues,
A good officer does not merely give orders. A good officer takes the team along, listens to people, and shows the way toward solutions in difficult circumstances.
Leadership comes not from position but from trust. Your position will give you authority, but your character will earn you respect. Therefore, make integrity, discipline, sensitivity, and impartiality the foundation of your working style.
The strongest foundation of forest conservation is the trust and cooperation of communities that have shared a relationship with forests for generations. It is essential to understand their experience and traditional knowledge. Non-timber forest products, medicinal plants, local products, eco-tourism, and small forest-based enterprises can strengthen rural livelihoods.
When local communities receive dignified livelihood and development opportunities through forests, they themselves become the strongest guardians of those forests.
My young colleagues,
Forest administration is also changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, drones, satellite technology, remote sensing, and data-driven decision-making can give a new direction to forest management. Therefore, embrace new technologies, promote innovation, and find new solutions to old challenges.
Today’s forest officers must understand not only local conditions but also national and global environmental developments. The impacts of climate change are not confined by borders. Your role will be important in translating into action on the ground the commitments India has made in the areas of environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development.
My colleagues,
You will face numerous challenges across different geographical regions. Locations and circumstances will change, but your commitment should never change. Let your vision be broad, your thinking scientific, your decisions impartial, and your heart sensitive.
Today’s interaction with the Hon’ble Vice President is a special opportunity for all of you. Listen with an open mind, learn, and carry the inspiration gained from this interaction with you throughout your careers. The life of a good officer is a continuous journey of learning and self-improvement.
I am confident that with your energy, knowledge, technical expertise, and leadership, you will take the glorious tradition of the Indian Forest Service to new heights.
If nature is protected, water will be protected.
If water is protected, life will be protected.
And if life is protected, India’s future will be secure.
Therefore, there should be one guiding principle at the centre of every decision you make—Nation First. Making the protection of nature, service to the people, and the creation of a bright future for India your highest priorities should be the foremost objective of your service.
Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice President for his inspiring presence and invaluable guidance on this occasion.
With these words, I conclude my address.
Jai Hind!