Om Birla to IIS Trainees: Uphold Truth, Tech and Trust in New India's Story

In an inspiring address to the Indian Information Service (IIS) Officer Trainees of the 2023–24 batch at the Parliament premises, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla delivered a clarion call for truth, responsibility, and transformation in governance communication. His speech underscored the critical role of IIS officers in shaping national narratives, combating misinformation, and championing transparency in an era defined by information overload and rapid digital transitions.

“Telling India’s Story with Integrity Is a National Duty”

Opening his remarks, Shri Om Birla emphasized the need for authentic storytelling rooted in India’s traditions and driven by modern aspirations. “India’s story—of resilience, innovation, inclusion, and development—must be told with authenticity and integrity,” he said, urging young civil servants to embrace the complexity of India's social fabric and democratic ethos.

As India stands at a transformative juncture, moving toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Birla reminded the officer trainees that effective communication is not just a tool of governance but a cornerstone of democracy.

IIS Officers: Custodians of Credibility in a Hyperconnected World

Highlighting the unique responsibilities of IIS officers, Shri Birla said they must be more than just messengers of government policies. “You are not merely communicators—you are the bridge between the state and citizens. You are interpreters of policy, facilitators of understanding, and defenders of transparency,” he asserted.

He warned of the dangers posed by misinterpretations and fake narratives, particularly in an age where misinformation spreads faster than facts. In this context, he stressed that IIS officers must rise as guardians of truth by disseminating timely, accurate, and fact-based information. “Your work is a public trust. Every word you write, every statement you issue, carries the weight of national interest,” he emphasized.

Democratic Literacy: Understanding Parliament Is Crucial

Shri Birla called on the officer trainees to deeply engage with the parliamentary system, noting that it lies at the heart of India’s democracy. He elaborated on the importance of understanding how a bill becomes law, the structure of Parliamentary debates, committee scrutiny, and legislative procedures.

He highlighted key tools of parliamentary functioning—Question Hour, Zero Hour, Special Mentions, and Standing Committees—as mechanisms that embody public sentiment and government accountability. “Committees are like mini-Parliaments—they scrutinize, refine, and strengthen policy and legislation behind the scenes. Understanding this process is crucial for accurate public communication,” he said.

From Complex Debates to Public Understanding

Recognizing the growing gap between parliamentary discourse and public perception, Shri Birla tasked IIS officers with translating complex legislative discussions into digestible, trustworthy information for citizens. He urged them to craft communication that both informs and inspires, enabling citizens to actively engage with governance.

“Parliamentary debates influence not just policies but public opinion. You must be equipped to convey these discussions with clarity, nuance, and responsibility,” he noted.

Tech-Driven Communication for Viksit Bharat 2047

Speaking on the future of governance, Shri Birla strongly advocated for adoption of technology in public communication. He highlighted the transformative potential of tools such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and e-Governance platforms to enhance transparency, speed, and citizen engagement.

“A tech-savvy bureaucracy is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,” he remarked. He called upon IIS officers to embrace emerging technologies to bridge the gap between the government and the governed. “Use digital tools not just for dissemination, but for dialogue,” he said, stressing the need for interactive, two-way communication channels in today’s democratic fabric.

The Speaker also emphasized the importance of continuous learning and upskilling, stating that only a future-ready information cadre can fulfill the promise of a citizen-centric administration.

Vision for the Future: Viksit Bharat 2047

Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047, Shri Birla urged the officer trainees to dedicate themselves to nation-building through their roles. “Your guiding principle must be the dream of a just, inclusive, and globally respected India. Let this vision be your daily motivation,” he stated.

Celebrating 75 years of India’s democratic journey, he hailed democracy as the most effective model for transparency, participation, and accountability, and placed a premium on the IIS’s role in preserving this legacy through responsible communication.

Hands-On Parliamentary Exposure for Trainees

As part of their three-day attachment to the Parliament of India, the IIS trainees also had the opportunity to observe live Lok Sabha proceedings, providing them with practical exposure to legislative functioning.

The event was attended by prominent figures in the information and communication domain, including Dr. Pragya Paliwal, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dr. Nimish Rustagi, Registrar of IIMC, Smt. Rashmi Roja Tushara, IIS Course Director, and senior officers from the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

A Call to Serve with Purpose

Shri Om Birla’s address served as both a motivational message and a policy roadmap for the next generation of IIS officers. As custodians of India’s narrative in an age of digital disruption, these officers are expected to combine technical proficiency, democratic literacy, and ethical clarity to tell India’s story to its own people—and the world.