Shillong, Apr. 16: Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu advised management students to possess strong character, uncompromising honesty and integrity.
Addressing the 9th Convocation of Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong, Meghalaya on Monday,in the presence of Meghalaya Governor, Ganga Prasad, Meghalaya Home Minister, James K. Sangma and other dignitaries were present on the occasion, the Vice President said that complete degeneration of values and the absence of fear of law are obviously leading to deviant and crooked behavior among the people.

Stating that it is important to adhere to values of honesty, integrity, truthfulness and adopt the best practices, he said that corporate ethics should not be violated.

The Vice President also advised the students to remember the seven sins mentioned by Mahatma Gandhi – wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, religion without sacrifice and politics without principle. He further advised the students to possess strong character, uncompromising honesty and integrity, ethical values, patience and a sense of gratitude as they further their career prospects.
“Never forget that you will not only impact the lives of people in your organizations but also the lives of many others, who depend on the livelihood of your direct employees,” he said.

The Vice President said that the qualities like gratitude, empathy and concern for fellow human beings seem to be missing in the modern world of materialism and consumerism and one must develop an attitude of caring and sharing. The quality of product, efficient service and ethical business practices are the hallmark of a positive global brand. Every decision taken by you as a thought leader should bear testimony to these qualities, he added.

The Vice President said that education is not only for employment, but also for enlightenment and empowerment and asked management institutions like IIMs to give priority to research publications.
On the occasion, 172 students of Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programme, and 30 students of Post Graduate Program for Executives – Managing Business in India and China ( PGPEx-MBIC) were honoured.