The Convocation Ceremony of the 2024 Batch Indian Forest Service probationers was held at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy in Dehradun, presided over by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav. A total of 111 officers, including 109 Indian Forest Service probationers and two officer trainees from Bhutan, completed the 20-month training program. Ms. Pratiksha Nanasaheb Kale of the Rajasthan Cadre emerged as the batch topper, while 75 officers secured more than 75% marks and were awarded Honours Diplomas.
Minister Yadav emphasized that the officers would play a significant role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 when India celebrates 100 years of independence. He highlighted major challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification, noting that addressing these would require equal emphasis on innovation, modern technology, and people's participation. The Minister stressed that artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies should be used not only for data collection and analysis but also for developing practical solutions with human sensitivity.
The training program placed special emphasis on forestry, wildlife management, environmental governance, advanced technologies, and leadership development. Nearly 45% of the total training period was devoted to field exercises, study tours, and adventure activities across diverse ecological regions of the country. Probationers participated in specialised elective courses, independent research, and practical exercises related to forest management and wildlife conservation with guidance from eminent experts and support from leading institutions.
The institution, which began as the Indian Forest College in 1938 and now functions as the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, has trained all Indian Forest Service officers of independent India along with 369 forest officers from 14 friendly countries. The revised curriculum is aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.