‘Integrity a cornerstone of prosperous nation’

Ganderbal, Oct 28: Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) Vice-Chancellor, Prof A Ravinder Nath, said on Monday that integrity is the cornerstone of a prosperous nation, particularly within the domain of public service.

“The concept of integrity transcends mere honesty; it encompasses transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ethical decision-making,” Prof Ravinder Nath said while kick-starting the Vigilance Awareness Week 2024, themed “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,” organised by the Office of the Chief Vigilance Officer in collaboration with the University Legal Cell.

Present at the occasion were Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool; Dean School of Languages, Prof. Sandhya Tiwari; Principal PTS, Manigam, Zubair Ahmad Khan; former IGP, Kashmir and Member, JKPSC, Syed Ahfadul Mujtaba; Sr. Prosecuting Officer, PTS, Ganderbal, Farooq Ahmad Mir; Advocate, J&K High Court, Umar Rashid Wani; faculty members; administrative officials; scholars; and students.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that integrity in governance is especially significant because public officials are custodians of the public good. “They manage resources, make policy decisions, and have the power to impact citizens’ lives directly. Therefore, when officials act with integrity, they reinforce public confidence and demonstrate a commitment to the social contract between government and citizens. On the other hand, a lack of integrity erodes public trust, undermines authority, and breeds resentment among citizens, weakening the societal fabric.”

In his address, Syed Ahfadul Mujtaba stated that for a country to thrive, its officials—who are entrusted with power and responsibility—must exhibit the highest standards of integrity. “Without integrity in public office, trust erodes, governance weakens, and the foundation of a nation's prosperity is compromised,” he added. He further noted that international organizations, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, assess a nation’s governance before offering any financial assistance.

In his speech, Zubair Ahmad Khan remarked that programmes like these promote a culture of integrity by focusing on the importance of ethical decision-making, the responsibilities of public office, and the impact of integrity on governance and society. “Integrating ethics into training for public officials can foster a mindset that prioritizes integrity from the outset.”

Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, highlighted that upholding integrity requires courage, especially in environments where corruption may be normalized. He stated that officials who stand by their ethical values contribute significantly to national prosperity. “The media plays a crucial role in educating the public about their rights and the responsibilities of public officials. When citizens are informed and active, they can hold their leaders accountable and demand transparency.”