ASCI celebrates 68th Foundation Day with focus on transforming governance

ASCI Chairman and former Union Home Secretary K. Padmanabhaiah presenting a memento to Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances V. Srinivas during the Foundation Day lecture at the Bella Vista campus on Thursday, December 5
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) commemorated its 68th Foundation Day on Thursday with a grand ceremony at its Bella Vista Campus on Raj Bhavan Road in Hyderabad. The event was marked by the Foundation Day Lecture delivered by Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) V. Srinivas, on the theme ‘‘Viksit Bharat – Transforming Governance’.

Welcoming the gathering, ASCI Chairman and former Union Home Secretary K. Padmanabhaiah, reflected on the institution’s six decades of service to the nation. “ASCI has made its mark, but we cannot rest on our laurels,” he remarked. Stressing the need to evolve with the times, he added, “Unless we adapt to change, we risk becoming like dinosaurs. Every individual within an organisation plays a vital role in shaping its success.”

Pillars of governance for a developed India

Mr. V. Srinivas, in his keynote lecture, underscored the critical role of governance in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India, Viksite Bharat by 2047. Drawing attention to the Five Prana (Five Key Resolutions), he outlined their foundational principles — eliminating colonial mindsets, fostering national pride, uniting the nation with a shared purpose, empowering citizens, and achieving maximum governance with minimum government.

The Secretary highlighted the transformative power of technology in governance, calling it a bridge to transparency, efficiency, and accessibility. “Digital initiatives like CPGRAMS, Karmayogi Competency Model, and PM Gatishakti have improved decision-making and public service delivery,” he said.The lecture also explored pioneering initiatives like the Chintan Shivira platform to ideate futuristic governance models and their translation into practical reforms.