NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer, marked the successful conclusion of Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 with a vibrant valedictory ceremony at its corporate office in Hyderabad. This year’s theme, “Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility,” resonated throughout the week-long observance, inspiring collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical excellence.

The VAW commenced on 27th October 2025, featured a series of engaging activities, starting from integrity pledge to essay and elocution contests to digital awareness drives across NMDC’s projects and offices. In alignment with the VAW theme, NMDC launched a three-month-long awareness campaign that began on August 18, 2025, and will continue until November 17, 2025. As part of this initiative, various sessions including capacity-building programs are being conducted by currently working and retired personnels from Government of India to enhance understanding of ethical practices and vigilance mechanisms. A key component introduced this year under the campaign is the iGOT module, through which NMDC officers are receiving online training on various aspects of vigilance administration. To extend the message of integrity beyond the organization, NMDC also organized Gram Sabhas at its project sites, engaging host communities and stakeholders.

The valedictory ceremony on 1st November, 2025 featured a keynote address by Major General Ajay Misra, General Officer Commanding, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Sub Area, who emphasized the vital role of personal integrity in shaping organizational culture. He said, “Integrity is not a mere virtue we display when someone is watching, it is the essence of our character, reflected in every decision we take. Vigilance begins with self-awareness and extends into our collective consciousness as an organization. Each one of us must own the responsibility of being alert, transparent, and fair in our conduct. True vigilance is not about suspicion; it’s about creating an environment where honesty is instinctive and trust is the foundation.” He added, “When integrity becomes a habit, vigilance becomes effortless. It allows institutions like NMDC to thrive on credibility, discipline, and purpose - ensuring that growth is not just measurable in tons of ore, but in tons of trust.”

The event was attended by NMDC’s senior leadership, Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical),
Shri Joydeep Dasgupta Director (Production), Smt. Priyadarshini Director (Personnel), and
Shri C Neelakanta Reddy, Chief Vigilance Officer, along with NMDC employees.

Reflecting on the organization’s journey, Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical) applauded the vigilance team’s proactive role in driving transparency and efficiency and said “The Vigilance Department at NMDC is not just a watchdog, it’s a catalyst for change. We are transitioning into a future where digital interventions, data-driven insights, and preventive vigilance form the backbone of decision-making. As we advance towards our ambitious target, our focus must be on creating frameworks that ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability at every level.” He further added, “When systems are strong, decisions become objective - and that is the truest reflection of integrity.

On the occasion, Shri C Neelakanta Reddy, Chief Vigilance Officer, said “Vigilance is not confined to manuals or checklists — it’s a living principle that guides how we think, act, and lead. Through our initiatives, we have reached schools and communities across Hyderabad, Bailadila, Jagdalpur, Nagarnar, Panna, and Donimalai, encouraging thousands of young students to understand that honesty and responsibility are lifelong assets. These interactions remind us that the foundation of a corruption-free society begins with education and awareness. We are committed to building systems that not only detect lapses but also prevent them. Guided by the Central Vigilance Commission’s principles, NMDC continues to create processes that are fair, ethical, and sustainable.”

Throughout the week, NMDC employees and stakeholders participated enthusiastically in competitions such as quizzes, drawing, essay and elocution contests, all designed to bring the spirit of vigilance to life. Winners were awarded during the closing ceremony, celebrating their creativity and commitment to ethical excellence. The valedictory function brought together employees, students, and leadership to reflect on how integrity fuels sustainable growth and good governance.

With renewed energy and shared purpose, NMDC concluded Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 reaffirming its belief that integrity is everyone’s business - and vigilance, a collective promise.

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TPJ/NJ

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