NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, AUG 15
As the Tricolour soared over the Income Tax Office at Nungambakkam on Independence Day, the message from the Income Tax Department was not merely about celebrating freedom, but about earning the trust of citizens through responsible public service. The 80th Independence Day celebrations in Chennai turned into a powerful reminder that the freedom secured by the sacrifices of countless Indians also carries a solemn responsibility to build a fairer, stronger and more prosperous nation.
Shri. Sunil Bajpai, IRS, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, hoisted the National Flag today, 15.08.2026, marking the 80th Independence Day at the Income Tax Office, Chennai, in the presence of senior and retired senior officers, officers,… pic.twitter.com/yc6NmueIPO
— Income Tax, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry (@tn_incometax) August 15, 2026
The Income Tax Department, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, celebrated the 80th Independence Day on Saturday with patriotic fervour, paying tribute to freedom fighters and reaffirming its commitment to nation-building, taxpayer service and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
- PCC Sunil Bajpai calls for fair, transparent and humane tax administration
- ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ can become reality only through collective national effort, he says
- Tax revenues fuel infrastructure, defence, education, healthcare and social welfare
- ‘Revenue with Dharma, Authority with Responsibility and Taxation for the Welfare of the People’
- Income Tax Department celebrates freedom with service pledge, cultural programmes and green initiative
The National Flag was hoisted at 8.30 am by Sunil Bajpai, IRS, Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, at the Income Tax Office, Nungambakkam, in the presence of senior officers, retired senior officers, officers, officials and members of the Income-tax fraternity.
PCC’s punch talk: Tax authority must walk with responsibility
Addressing the gathering, Bajpai paid heartfelt tribute to the freedom fighters whose courage and sacrifice secured India’s independence and called upon citizens and public institutions to recognise that freedom comes with an equal responsibility towards nation-building.
Highlighting India’s transformative journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, he said the ambitious national vision could be realised only through the collective and sincere efforts of citizens, institutions and public authorities.
He underlined the pivotal role of taxation in nation-building, pointing out that tax revenues constitute a vital source of funding for development and welfare, supporting critical sectors including infrastructure, national defence, education, healthcare and social welfare.
The address struck a particularly strong note on the need for a tax administration that combines authority with empathy.
He emphasised the importance of a fair, transparent, efficient and humane tax administration, in which honest taxpayers are treated with respect and legitimate grievances are addressed promptly and effectively.
Tax enforcement, he stressed, must remain firm and objective but without arbitrariness, while efficiency and empathy must go hand in hand in creating a genuinely taxpayer-friendly and responsive system.
‘Seva Ki Pratigya’ for a new tax administration
Referring to the transition to the Income-tax Act, 2025, Bajpai stressed that legislative reform must be supported by simplified processes, greater responsiveness and a taxpayer-friendly approach, strengthened by the spirit of ‘Seva Ki Pratigya’ — Pledge of Service.
He called upon officers and officials to regard every aspect of their work as service to the nation and discharge their responsibilities with integrity, fairness, sensitivity and the spirit of Karmayoga, while safeguarding the legitimate revenue of the country.
Invoking the timeless Latin maxim “Vox populi, vox Dei” — the voice of the people is the voice of God, he emphasised the importance of listening to citizens and remaining responsive to their concerns.
The gathering was urged to renew its Pratigya towards dedicated public service and nation-building.
The address concluded on three defining principles:
“Revenue with Dharma, Authority with Responsibility and Taxation for the Welfare of the People.”
The principles reaffirmed the Department’s stated commitment to contributing to a prosperous, compassionate and Viksit Bharat.
A green pledge alongside the Tricolour
The Independence Day celebrations also carried a strong environmental message. Bajpai planted a sapling at the Income Tax Office campus, symbolising the Department’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
As part of the initiative, Rotary Club Radiance contributed trees and plant saplings for the Income Tax Department premises at Nungambakkam and the Central Revenue Quarters at Anna Nagar, strengthening collective efforts to create greener and more sustainable public spaces.
Patriotism takes centre stage through culture
The celebrations came alive with a vibrant cultural programme organised by the Office of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, Chennai.
A graceful Bharatanatyam performance by the wards of departmental officers and officials, patriotic songs rendered by IRS officers, and dance and Villupattu presentations by officers and officials showcased the cultural richness and patriotic spirit of the Income Tax fraternity.
A mime performance added another dimension to the programme, with the presentations reflecting patriotism, cultural diversity, national unity and collective responsibility.
The celebrations also extended into the wider departmental family. Various competitions were organised for officers and officials, their spouses and wards, besides members of housekeeping, contingent and security personnel.
The enthusiastic participation fostered a spirit of camaraderie and celebration, with Bajpai distributing prizes and certificates to the winners, recognising their participation, enthusiasm and accomplishments.
