Possess strong character, uncompromising honesty and integrity: VP

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has advised the management students to possess strong character, uncompromising honesty and integrity.
He was addressing the 9th Convocation of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong in Meghalaya. Governor of Meghalaya Ganga Prasad, Home Minister of Meghalaya 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. He further said that it is important to adhere to values of honesty, integrity, truthfulness and adopt the best practices. Corporate ethics should not be violated, he added.
Naidu 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 added.
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. He has also asked management institutions like IIMs to give priority to research publications.