IUST continues Preventive Vigilance lecture series

AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), through the Office of the Dean Outreach, in collaboration with the Departmental Vigilance Officer (DVO), continued its lecture series under the ongoing Preventive Vigilance Campaign. The initiative aims to promote transparency, accountability, ethical leadership and integrity among the university community.

Delivering a lecture titled ‘The Integrity Dividend,’ Prof. Parvez Ahmad Mir, Dean, School of Business Studies, emphasised that integrity is the foundation of institutional credibility and long-term success. He remarked, “Integrity requires evidence, not rumours. We must verify facts through appropriate channels before drawing conclusions.” He further observed that trustworthiness towards one’s profession, responsibilities and the system ultimately prevails, even in the face of adversity. “In every story of integrity, there is a dividend, sometimes immediate, sometimes delayed, but trust always pays back,” he added.

In his lecture titled ‘The Price of Your Credentials,’ Dr. Peer Bilal Ahmad, Director, DIQA, highlighted how compromising academic and professional ethics ultimately erodes individual credibility. “The price of your credentials is not only the time you have invested. The real price is what you are willing to stand for,” he said. Emphasising the importance of fairness in positions of responsibility, he observed, “When you hold a position, you may lose friends because you have to be fair, not liked.”

Dr. Monisa Qadri, Dean of Students, in her lecture titled ‘Ethical Leadership in Student Governance,’ underscored the role of students in fostering a culture of honesty, accountability and responsible leadership on campus. “Ethical leadership begins with small actions, like how you hold yourself accountable,” she said. Dr. Qadiri emphasised that practising honesty in everyday matters helps build a culture of integrity essential for shouldering greater responsibilities.

The session was moderated by Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Qureshi, Assistant Registrar, Outreach, and was attended by faculty members, staff, research scholars and students from various departments of the University.

Concluding the session, Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach remarked, “Through these conversations, we want our students and colleagues to understand that integrity is non-negotiable, whatever the setting.”

The day featured three lectures addressing key aspects of integrity, ethical conduct and governance as part of the University’s efforts to strengthen a culture of accountability and transparency.