NMPA observes valedictory of Vigilance Awareness Week 2025
MANGALURU : New Mangalore Port Authority hosted the valedictory ceremony for Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 on 20th November 2025 at 03:00 PM at the BDC Auditorium, NMPA Panambur. Dr. A. V. Ramana, Chairman, NMPA presided over the function. Smt. S. Shanthi, Deputy Chairperson, NMPA was guest of honor joined by Shri Padmanabhachar K., IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer of NMPA.
As a prelude to Vigilance Awareness Week 2025, Dr. A.V. Ramana, Chairperson, NMPA, had launched a three-month campaign in the Port on preventive vigilance measures from August 18th 2025 to November 17th 2025 and a presentation by Shri Padmanabhachar K., IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer, NMPA, on the focus areas for the campaign. During this campaign period, NMPA conducted a series of training programs aimed at capacity building for its employees. These workshops covered key topics like RTI Act 2005, Ethics and Governance, Conduct Rules, and Cyber Hygiene & Security during the campaign period.
Adding to these preparations, a thought-provoking talk on “Building a Culture of Ethics & Integrity” was delivered by Shri Sanjay Krishna Navhale, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer, Goa Shipyard Limited, on 08th November 2025, who emphasized the importance of transparency, ethics, and integrity in day-to-day activities and processes. Further, a talk on “Disciplinary Proceedings: An Overview” was delivered by Shri VIJAYDAT KAGITA, IOFS, General Manager / HR & Finance, Ordinance Factory, Medak, for the benefit of the employees on 23rd October 2025.
Observance of VAW 2025 commenced at New Mangalore Port Authority with the integrity pledge-taking ceremony on 27.10.2025. Shri Padmanabhachar K., IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer, administered the integrity pledge to officers, employees, and staff. The pledge-taking ceremony was followed by a signature campaign in the auditorium, allowing all present to visibly commit to integrity in their roles.
The Vigilance Department of NMPA organized a range of events to actively engage its workforce and community members in vigilance awareness programs during the campaign period. This included essay writing and slogan writing competitions for Government high school and junior college students in the nearby areas. Port employees and outsourced staff also competed in essay and speech competitions, providing a platform to share ideas on how vigilance and ethical practices contribute to a stronger organization and nation.
Under the public outreach programme, Chairperson, NMPA, flagged off a walkathon from A.O. Building to Panambur Beach on 3rd November 2025, where all employees came together with high enthusiasm to spread the message of the fight against corruption. Apart from this, a stunning sand sculpture was arranged at Panambur Beach depicting the Vigilance Awareness Week theme, “Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility”, serving as an eye-catching highlight on integrity for all visitors. In addition, NMPA organised a stakeholders & vendors meet for grievance redressal also. During the valedictory of Vigilance Awareness Week on 20th November 2025, Chairman, NMPA unveiled the Accounts Manual of the Finance Department and the Works Manual of the Civil Engineering Department under the preventive vigilance initiative.
Shri Padmanabhachar K., Chief Vigilance Officer, NMPA, in his welcome address, emphasized that Vigilance Awareness Week reinforces the shared responsibility of promoting integrity and transparency in public governance. He appreciated the enthusiastic participation of 190 plus students and employees in various competitions and highlighted key preventive vigilance measures adopted by NMPA, including Face Recognition System, biometric and RFID-based access systems, Under Vehicle Scanning System, online vigilance complaint portal, and revised manuals. He stressed that combating corruption requires collective effort and encouraged employees and stakeholders to report irregularities and uphold the Integrity Pledge in letter and spirit.
Smt. S. Shanthi, Deputy Chairperson, NMPA, highlighted the importance of working with integrity so that vigilance issues do not arise in the first place. She appreciated the Chairperson for proactively reviewing SOPs and manuals during Vigilance Awareness Week to strengthen preventive vigilance across the Port. Emphasizing that many errors occur unknowingly, she stressed the need for preventive measures to avoid such lapses, while intentional wrongdoing must always be discouraged. She expressed happiness at the strong participation of schoolchildren, noting that values of honesty and ethics learned at a young age shape one’s character throughout life. She concluded by wishing the Vigilance Department continued success and hoped that all departments strive to avoid errors and uphold high ethical standards.
Dr. A. V. Ramana, Chairman, NMPA, in his address, expressed pride that New Mangalore Port Authority stands among the least-corrupt ports in the country, with strong systems, clear procedures, and well-defined SOPs that ensure transparency. He emphasized that effective administration lies in following robust processes and eliminating opportunities for corruption through technology, automation, digitisation, and system-driven governance. Highlighting different forms of corruption—political, executive, social, collusive, and individual—he stressed that ethical conduct must begin at the top and extend across all levels of society. He urged employees to uphold integrity, avoid shortcuts, and remain responsible even when unobserved. Chairman, NMPA noted that corruption acts as a “leakage” that prevents public resources from reaching the most deserving, underscoring the need for vigilance and ethical behaviour. He reaffirmed that the workforce of the port is honest and committed, and called on all employees to continue working with dedication to contribute to India’s larger vision for growth and prosperity. He concluded by reiterating his commitment to maintaining NMPA as a model of ethical and transparent governance.
This was followed by prize distribution ceremony recognizing the participation and achievements of school children from neighboring schools and Port employees in various competitions held during Vigilance Awareness Week. Following the prize distribution, the audience was entertained by semi-classical dance by students of Gnana Nritya Academy, Panambur complemented by a Yakshagana performance by Port employees and staff, adding a colorful and engaging finale to the function.
Secretary, NMPA expressed his sincere gratitude to the present dignitaries, Officers, employees, staff, school children and stake holders.
NMPA concluded Vigilance Awareness Week with a meaningful valedictory function reaffirming its unwavering commitment to uphold a culture of integrity, recognizing that ethical governance is essential for true prosperity. By embracing transparency and vigilance, NMPA not only strengthens its foundation but also contributes meaningfully to the nation’s progress.