Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Saturday presided over the convocation ceremony of the 2024 batch of Indian Forest Service (IFS) probationers at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun, where he presented certificates and medals to the graduating officers.
The ceremony was held at the Convocation Hall of the Forest Research Institute (FRI).
Addressing the probationers, Yadav congratulated them on successfully completing their training and said they had received high-quality technical and leadership education at one of the country’s premier forestry institutions. He expressed confidence that the officers would play a key role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, when India marks 100 years of Independence.
The Union Minister said the officers would face emerging challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and desertification, and stressed that addressing these issues would require innovation, modern technology and active public participation.
He highlighted the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies not only for data collection and analysis but also for developing practical, people-centric solutions.
Emphasising the values expected of civil servants, Yadav said ethics and efficiency are the cornerstones of public service. He urged the officers to uphold high moral standards, make effective use of time and resources, and strive to become leaders who inspire positive social change.
“Leadership is not merely about administration but about bringing positive transformation to society,” he said, adding that sacrifice, compassion and the ability to motivate others distinguish a true leader.
Concluding his address, Yadav said a good officer must first be a good human being. He encouraged the probationers to practise self-awareness and continuous learning throughout their careers while making meaningful contributions to society and the nation.
Earlier, IGNFA Director Dr. Rajendra Prasad Khajuria presented the Director’s Report and highlighted the academy’s legacy since its establishment in 1938 as the Indian Forest College. He said the institution has trained all Indian Forest Service officers since Independence, along with 369 forest officers from 14 friendly countries.
According to the Director, 111 officers—including 109 Indian Forest Service probationers of the 2024 batch and two officer trainees from Bhutan—successfully completed the 20-month training programme under the revised curriculum aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Of these, 75 officers secured more than 75 per cent marks and were awarded the Honours Diploma.
Dr. Khajuria said the training programme placed special emphasis on forestry, wildlife management, environmental governance, advanced technologies and leadership development. Nearly 45 per cent of the training period was devoted to field exercises, study tours and adventure activities across diverse ecological regions of the country.
The probationers also undertook specialised elective courses, independent research and practical exercises in forest management and wildlife conservation under the guidance of subject experts and leading institutions.
During the ceremony, medals and awards were presented to officers for outstanding academic and training achievements. Pratiksha Nanasaheb Kale of the Rajasthan cadre emerged as the batch topper.
The event was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Tanmay Kumar, Director General of Forests and Special Secretary Sushil Kumar Awasthi, Chairman, Central Empowered Committee (CEC) C.P. Goyal, senior officials of the Ministry, the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Forest Research Institute, Wildlife Institute of India, IGNFA, retired Indian Forest Service officers, trainee officers of the 2025 batch, and family members of the graduating probationers.
