Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has called upon aspiring civil servants and serving officers to consciously move away from the remnants of colonial thinking and outdated administrative mindsets.
While addressing a gathering at the inaugural ceremony of the Samkalp IAS Academy, Coimbatore, on July 18, the Governor said that governance in a modern and self-confident India should reflect Indian values, national priorities and a spirit of service rather than colonial-era approaches.
Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Hon'ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, inaugurated the Samkalp IAS Academy , Coimbatore Chapter and addressed the gathering at Coimbatore today (18.07.2026).
The Hon'ble Governor underscored the vital role of Samkalp in nurturing dedicated, value… pic.twitter.com/MwH519n2oa— LOK BHAVAN, TAMIL NADU (@lokbhavan_tn) July 18, 2026
He stressed that India’s rich cultural heritage, timeless traditions and glorious history should form the foundation of administrative leadership. He observed that future civil servants must take pride in the nation’s civilisational values and draw inspiration from them while discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
Governor Arlekar urged UPSC aspirants to view the civil services not merely as a career, but as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of the nation.
He said that IAS officers and other civil servants have a vital role in bringing positive change, ensuring good governance, strengthening democratic institutions and accelerating India’s march towards becoming a developed nation.
He further said, “The road to Viksit Bharat 2047 depends upon visionary leadership, ethical governance and committed public service.” The Governor expressed confidence that institutions like Samkalp IAS Academy would produce capable officers who would serve the nation with dedication, compassion and excellence.
Lauding the vision and efforts of the Academy in nurturing competent, committed and value-based civil servants, Governor Arlekar said that institutions such as Samkalp play a significant role in nation-building by preparing young minds to serve society with integrity, dedication and a deep sense of responsibility.
The Governor said that the Academy’s mission should not merely be to prepare candidates for competitive examinations, but also to cultivate officers who are committed to public welfare, national development and the protection of the nation’s resources.
He noted that the true spirit of public service lies in working selflessly for the welfare of every citizen while safeguarding the country’s assets and institutions.
On that occasion, seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between Samkalp IAS Academy and various educational institutions in the august presence of the Governor, marking an important step towards strengthening civil services coaching, academic collaboration and youth empowerment in Tamil Nadu.
On the same day, in another programme, the Governor addressed the inaugural ceremony of Amrita Lex-Initio 2026 and Deeksharambh 2026 at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore.
Hon'ble Governor of Tamil Nadu Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar addressed the inaugural ceremony of Amrita Lex-Initio – 2026 and Deeksharambh – 2026 at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore.
He urged students to pursue education not merely for earning a livelihood, but as a… pic.twitter.com/NrNWL48gfH— LOK BHAVAN, TAMIL NADU (@lokbhavan_tn) July 18, 2026
The Governor also highlighted that the life and teachings of Mata Amritanandamayi continue to inspire generations with compassion, humility and service.
During the ceremony, the Governor addressed over 3,500 incoming students, urging them to pursue education as a tool for societal service and nation-building rather than merely as a means to earn a livelihood.
He emphasised that the youth are the pillars of Viksit Bharat 2047 (a vision for a developed India by 2047) and led the students in taking a formal pledge to contribute towards this national goal.
On July 19, the Tamil Nadu Governor, in his Chief Guest address, underscored the transformative vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasising the need for research-oriented education, innovation, multidisciplinary learning and critical thinking to prepare youth for the challenges of the future.
Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Hon'ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, participated as the Chief Guest, addressed the gathering, and presented degrees to the graduating students at the 38th Graduation Day of RVS College of Arts & Science (Autonomous), Coimbatore.
In his address, the… pic.twitter.com/1hiIyYrNvG— LOK BHAVAN, TAMIL NADU (@lokbhavan_tn) July 19, 2026
After presenting degrees to the graduating students at the 38th Graduation Day of RVS College of Arts & Science (Autonomous), Coimbatore, the Governor highlighted the importance of integrating the Indian Knowledge System with modern education to nurture well-rounded individuals rooted in India’s rich civilisational values while contributing to a Viksit Bharat.
