Union Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, graced the Valedictory Function of the Special Foundation Course (SFC) 2025 held on 6 December 2025 at the National Communications Academy – Finance (NCA-F), a “Sarvotkrisht” (5-Star) rated Central Training Institute under the Department of Telecommunications. The event brought together 176 Officer Trainees from 15 All India and Central Civil Services, culminating an intensive three-month training programme conducted in collaboration with the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.
Competence, Integrity, and Self-Awareness: Pillars of Public Service
Delivering the valedictory address, Dr. Pemmasani urged Officer Trainees to become subject matter experts in their respective domains, noting that technical competence forms the foundation of credibility in governance.
He emphasised adherence to dharma, underscoring that strong ethical grounding empowers civil servants to reject corruption and uphold public trust. Encouraging introspection, he reminded Officer Trainees that “ego is your enemy”, and stressed the importance of considering the impact of their actions on citizens and colleagues.
Highlighting the value of collaboration over competition, he advised young officers to work with those who excel, noting that resilient systems, not individual brilliance, strengthen public institutions.
Dr. Pemmasani concluded by affirming that serving 1.4 billion citizens is the greatest privilege of public service.
A Transformative Training Journey for 176 Civil Service Probationers
The Special Foundation Course 2025, held from 15 September to 5 December 2025, was designed to orient newly recruited civil servants to India’s administrative, socio-economic, and political environment. The programme aimed to instil discipline, ethics, professionalism, national pride, and a spirit of service, while fostering inter-service camaraderie.
Key components included:
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Academic instruction delivered by senior bureaucrats, academics, civil society leaders, practitioners, and industry experts
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Cross-service learning modules and experiential sessions
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Sports and cultural activities including Bharat Diwas, Khel Samagam (Sports Week), One Act Play, and the Purple Fest promoting empathy and inclusivity
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Interactions with Padma Awardees, Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award winners, economists, an astronaut, and distinguished achievers from diverse fields
The curriculum combined rigorous theory with immersive engagement, providing a holistic training environment for future administrators.
Dignitaries Highlight Synergy, Humility, and Lifelong Learning
Senior officials present at the valedictory ceremony included:
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Shri Sriram Taranikanti, Director, LBSNAA
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Ms. Vandana Gupta, Controller General of Communication Accounts
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Ms. Madhavi Das, Director General, NCA-F
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Dr. Kamal Kapoor, Course Director
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Shri Shailesh Bansal, Course Coordinator
Shri Taranikanti called upon Officer Trainees to break silos, build synergy, and leverage grassroots participation for meaningful change.
Ms. Madhavi Das emphasised humility, lifelong learning, and the responsibility entrusted to civil servants.
Dr. Kapoor presented a detailed course overview, highlighting key modules, field visits, and training outcomes.
Recognition of Excellence Across Categories
The ceremony also honoured outstanding performance by Officer Trainees with awards such as:
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Best Overall House
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Best House in Himalayan Study Tour
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Best House in Rural–Urban Immersion Programme
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Best Overall Officer Trainee
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Best in Academics
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Best in Sports, among others
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms. Preeti Mahto, DDG, followed by the National Anthem.
Conclusion
The valediction marked a significant milestone for the next generation of civil servants who will shape India’s governance landscape. With a strong foundation in ethics, expertise, and collaboration, the Officer Trainees now embark on their professional journeys, equipped to serve the nation with integrity, competence, and dedication.
Highlighting the value of collaboration over competition, he advised young officers to work with those who excel, noting that resilient systems, not individual brilliance, strengthen public institutions.
Dr. Pemmasani concluded by affirming that serving 1.4 billion citizens is the greatest privilege of public service.
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Source: PIB
