New Delhi | President Droupadi Murmu greeted the country's bureaucrats on the Civil Services Day on Tuesday and said their integrity and empathy will be instrumental in bridging gaps, fostering inclusivity, and strengthening trust between the State and its citizens.

From the formulation of innovative, future-oriented and citizen-centric policies, to their effective implementation on the ground, your work significantly impacts the quality of life of millions, she said in a post on X.

"As Bharat advances with renewed aspirations, your integrity and empathy will be instrumental in bridging gaps, fostering inclusivity, and strengthening trust between the State and its citizens," Murmu said.

"May you continue to uphold the highest standards of public service and contribute meaningfully to the building of a more equitable and progressive nation," Murmu added.

April 21 is celebrated as the Civil Services Day, as an occasion for the civil servants across India to rededicate themselves to the cause of citizens and renew their commitment to public service and excellence in their work.

The day commemorates the address of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of independent India, to civil services officers on probation in 1947 at Metcalf House, Delhi. He had referred to them as the "steel frame of India".