For the first time, Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (  SPIPA), the Apex Training Institute of Government of Gujarat, has been entrusted with the task of conducting Special Foundation Course for the Officers of Central Civil Services.  

The inaugural session scheduled on 19/09/2022 was graced by Hon'ble Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat, Shri Pankaj Kumar, IAS as the Chief Guest in the presence of Shri R. C. Meena, IAS, Hon'ble Director General and Ms.  Sowjanya, Joint Director, Shri Shailesh Naval, Deputy Director (Sr.) and Dr.  Sanjay Joshi, Professor from Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie.  

Shri R. C. Meena addressed the Officer Trainees and gave a brief introduction about the Special Foundation Course spanning 15 weeks from 19/09/2022 to 30/12/2022.  He informed that equal weightage would be given to classroom sessions and outdoor activities / extracurricular activities along with organizing 10 days Himalayan Trek and 01 week Village visit.  

Ms.  Sowjanya, Joint Director, LBSNAA delivered a speech and informed that the Special Foundation Course will enhance the personality of the officer trainees and suggested them to keep learning continuously.  

Shri Pankaj Kumar, IAS Hon'ble Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat addressed the audience and asked the officer trainees to remain enthusiastic throughout their service and suggested that service to the downtrodden should be their life mantra.  He also inspired the trainees to witness Gujarat's cultural heritage and invited them to the upcoming National Games.  

Lastly, the trainees took an oath to have faith and true loyalty towards the Nation and the Constitution, to keep the affiliation and integrity of the country intact and to perform the duties with patriotism, honesty and fairness.  The inaugural session concluded with everyone present reciting the National Anthem.