Indian Institute of Management Amritsar (IIMAm) observes Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 from 27 October to 2 November, aligning with the nationwide initiative to foster integrity, transparency and accountability in all spheres of public life. The observance commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose ideals continue to inspire ethical governance and responsible citizenship.
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The institute hosted a special talk by Mr Arun Bansal, Chief Vigilance Officer, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The event was graced by the presence of Prof. Samir K Srivastava, Director, IIMAm, Dr Mukesh Kumar, Chief Vigilance Officer, IIMAm, along with faculty members, staff and MBA students who came together to reflect on the theme “Vigilance – Our Shared Responsibility.”
Welcoming the gathering, Dr Mukesh highlighted the importance of introspection and ethical conduct in institutional life. He remarked that integrity elevates individuals and that collective effort is essential in building a corruption-free environment.
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Drawing on his 17 years of experience in vigilance and corporate governance, Mr Arun delivered an insightful address on the importance of ethical behaviour in professional and personal life. He traced the origins of Vigilance Awareness Week to Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary, October 31st, underscoring how it symbolises the nation’s ongoing commitment to honesty and good governance.
Mr Bansal elaborated on the vigilance framework in India, outlining the roles of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). He explained the three pillars of vigilance: preventive, investigative and punitive; highlighting the Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers (PIDPI) Resolution, an Indian government initiative that enables citizens to report corruption and misuse of office by central government employees. He described how such complaints can be filed responsibly and effectively.
Mr Bansal then spoke about business ethics, emphasising that ethical conduct is essential for organisational sustainability, crisis prevention and the creation of new opportunities. He cautioned that disregarding ethics can result in revenue loss, reputational harm and legal challenges, ultimately undermining long-term trust and stability. He also briefed participants about HPCL’s vigilance mechanism, particularly the Central Retail Information System, which monitors operations and ensures accountability.
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Encouraging students to uphold integrity in all spheres, Mr Bansal remarked, “Integrity is a superpower that will never fail you. Your degree opens doors, but your integrity keeps them open.” He emphasised that while technology can enhance transparency, it is personal accountability and moral conviction that ensure lasting integrity.
The session concluded with the attendees, along with Prof Samir, Director, IIMAm, taking the pledge to ensure professional integrity in the workplace. Through such initiatives, IIMAm continues to nurture future leaders guided by integrity and a sense of public responsibility. Submitted by IIM Amritsar PR Team.
