UDHAMPUR, Nov 1: Emphasising the importance of honesty, accountability and ethical conduct among young people, Government College for Women (GCW), Udhampur, observed Vigilance Awareness Week-2026 from October 26 to November 1 through a series of educational and creative activities aimed at promoting integrity and creating awareness against corruption.
The programme was organised by the Department of Political Science under the chief patronage of Principal Dr. Nalini Pathania. The week-long observance witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teaching and non-teaching staff members.
As part of the programme, an Integrity Pledge-taking ceremony was organised on October 24, owing to the holiday on October 26. Students and college staff collectively reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining honesty, transparency and integrity in their personal and professional lives.
On October 27, the Department of Political Science organised poster-making and slogan-writing competitions to encourage students to express their understanding of vigilance and ethical values through creative activities.
In the poster-making competition, Wartika Singh secured the first position, Ujavhi Sharma stood second, while Yogita Narwal and Sofia Nizam jointly secured third position. In the slogan-writing competition, Vridhi Gupta bagged the first position, Farzana Parveen secured second place and Yogita Narwal finished third.
On the same day, ten students from the college participated in an inter-college Youth Parliament programme organised at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Reasi, in connection with Vigilance Awareness Week-2026. Of these, two students contested while eight others participated in the programme.
The valedictory function was held on November 1, marking the successful conclusion of the week-long activities. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Swarna Devi, Head of the Department of Political Science, congratulated the department members and other faculty members for their cooperation in successfully conducting the programme.
She urged students to stay away from corruption and all forms of anti-social behaviour, emphasising the importance of character-building among the younger generation. She explained that corruption should not be viewed merely in terms of accepting bribes or engaging in financial irregularities, but also through everyday acts of dishonesty, irresponsibility and negligence.
Highlighting the importance of discipline, she observed that a student deliberately skipping classes or a teacher arriving late for duty also reflects a lack of integrity and professional responsibility. She encouraged students to adopt honesty, punctuality and accountability as essential values in their daily lives.
During the concluding ceremony, winners of the various competitions were felicitated with gold, silver and bronze medals. Participants in the Youth Parliament programme were also presented with prizes to recognise their involvement and encourage them to participate in similar academic and civic activities in the future.
Around 100 students attended the concluding programme. The entire week-long observance was coordinated by Prof. Swarna Devi with the support of other members of the department.
Faculty members present on the occasion included Dr. Swati Dutt, Prof. Pooja Bharti, Prof. Pooja Sharma, Prof. Rekha Sharma, Prof. Shobha Rani, Prof. Neetu Sharma, Dr. Nazim Mohi Ud Din, Dr. Tanveer Ahmad and Lecturer Parvesh Kumari, among others.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Swarna Devi, Convener of the Department of Students Welfare (DSW) Committee.