With the new realm of challenges amidst the ongoing pandemic, the need for public service has catapulted.  To address the same, Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) organised its 10th Webinar on ‘Action Today, Impact Tomorrow: Learning from Mahatma Gandhi on contribution for Public Service.’ Dr. Anantha Duraiappah, Director, UNESCO, MGIEP, Atul Sobti DG, SCOPE and Mr. S. Sakthimani, Director (Finance), CCI and Member, SCOPE Executive Board addressed the webinar held to commemorate the United Nations Public Service Day. Around 300 participants attended the webinar through SCOPE’s various social platforms.

Dr. Anantha Duraiappah in his address inspired by the rationale of Mahatma Gandhi said that while the pandemic has challenged the economic situation globally, it is time to take behavioral inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi to tackle the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding us. He also emphasized the importance of building emotional resilience and providing public service through empathy, compassion and mindfulness. 

Atul Sobti stated that the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi not only led a life of selfless service but also set benchmarks in leadership, humanity, patriotism and management and in this time of crisis it is only pertinent to follow his teachings. He also highlighted the role of Public Sector Enterprises in supplementing the efforts of the Government and stated that they have been playing a critical role in the same. He emphasized that only public service done in true spirit brings an actual difference in people’s lives.

S. Sakthimani reflecting on the teachings of Mahatma said that besides public service, one lesson that we must all imbibe is achieving self-reliance and manufacture locally to attain self-sufficiency and be globally competitive.