New Delhi, April 22 -- Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan invoked the vision of former Deputy Chief Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel while addressing the 18th Civil Services Day on Tuesday, underscoring that the core values of integrity, political neutrality and service to the nation remain the foundation of India's administrative framework.

Highlighting Sardar Patel's address to the first batch of civil servants in 1947, Somanathan said, "The days when the service could be masters are over, and the officers must be guided by a real spirit of service."

He emphasised that civil servants must remain non-partisan and uphold the highest standards of integrity in public service. "A civil servant cannot afford to and must not take part in polit...