Sona Devi University launches vigilance awareness week with focus on integrity
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Jamshedpur, October 26: Sona Devi University on Monday launched Vigilance Awareness Week 2026, calling upon students, faculty members…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, October 26: Sona Devi University on Monday launched Vigilance Awareness Week 2026, calling upon students, faculty members and employees to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability in their personal and professional lives.
Observed from October 26 to November 1, the week carries the theme “Probity for Prosperity”, highlighting the role of ethical conduct in building a corruption-free society.
The inaugural programme was held at the university’s Swami Vivekananda Auditorium and attended by university officials, faculty members, non-teaching staff and students.
Speakers emphasised that integrity was not merely a moral value but a cornerstone of good governance, institutional credibility and sustainable national development.

Vice-Chancellor stresses role of ethical conduct
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Braj Mohan Pat Pingua said a nation’s prosperity depended not only on economic growth, technological advancement and material resources but also on the character of its citizens and the credibility of its institutions.
He said vigilance extended beyond monitoring corruption and investigating irregularities to include responsible performance of duties, appropriate exercise of authority and fairness in decision-making.
Negligence, favouritism, unnecessary delays and prioritising personal interests over public welfare could also weaken institutions, he added.
Emphasising the responsibility of universities, Pingua said educational institutions must nurture ethical values, discipline and social responsibility alongside academic knowledge and professional skills. Transparent administration and exemplary conduct by teachers, he said, were essential to fostering a culture of integrity among students.
Shivchandra Jha, head of the Department of Political Science, described vigilance as a broader commitment to ethical awareness, honesty and a sense of duty. He urged young people to make integrity a defining principle of their lives and contribute to nation-building through responsible conduct.
University Chancellor Prabhakar Singh also stressed the importance of transparency, impartiality and ethical values in personal and professional life. He called upon teachers, employees and students to remain conscious of their responsibilities and help strengthen public trust.
Integrity pledge administered to participants
During the inaugural ceremony, Kanchan Sinha, head of the Department of History, administered the integrity pledge to faculty members, non-teaching staff and students.
Participants pledged to uphold honesty, fairness, transparency and accountability and to refrain from corrupt practices.
Priyanjana Banerjee, head of the Department of Bengali, conducted the programme and explained the significance of the awareness week. She said integrity strengthened individuals, institutions and the nation’s future, urging students to practise honesty in their everyday decisions and academic activities.
Competitions and outreach activities planned
The university has planned a series of activities during the week, including essay writing, short-film screenings, poster-making, slogan writing, debates, quizzes and rangoli competitions.
The National Service Scheme unit will also organise awareness rallies, marches and other community outreach activities. A marketing workshop and fair are planned as part of the concluding activities.
Archana Singh of the Department of Agricultural Science, who also serves as assistant registrar, delivered the vote of thanks.
The university urged its community to make integrity a lasting practice rather than a commitment confined to the awareness week.


