Respected dignitaries on the dais and off the dais, my dear students, ladies and gentlemen,
I have great pleasure in giving a brief account on the online essay contest conducted by www.siv-g.org in association with the Mylapore Academy, Chennai. This Online Essay Contest was conducted as part of the 60th Independence Day Celebrations. Before I give further details on the online essay contest, let me give an outline of the website at which it was conducted.
The website www.siv-g.org was launched a year ago based on the concept I presented in the University of Passau, Germany in October 2006. The University of Passau invited me for their Lecture on Economics of Corruption. Incidentally, the University of Passau is known for bringing out the Corruption Perception Index for the Transparency International, Berlin. My concept SIV-G : Self Imposed Vigilance for Good Governance, in fact, is an Axiom to the Suresh’s Law of Corruption Dynamics, which was also presented in the same University a year ago in October 2005. One can get the details of the Law and its Axiom at the website.
It was during my presentation of SIV-G in the University of Passau, Germany, a question posted to me. Ms. Donna Harris, a delegate from the United Kingdom asked, “Mr. Suresh, SIV-G appears to be a wonderful concept. But how are you going to make it work?” My spontaneous reaction was, “SIV-G is not for you and me, who are already exposed to corruption. This is for the youngsters, particularly the college and school students through whom SIV-G will start working”.
Ever since my return from Germany, I started working on SIV-G and launched the website to reach out to the youngsters, particularly the students, to make them realize the importance of good governance. And it is in this process I approached and got the support of the Mylapore Academy. I thank the Mylapore Academy wholeheartedly for readily accepting my idea of conducting an online essay contest, on the theme ‘Good Governance’ at the website of SIV-G. The Mylapore Academy not only accepted the idea but had gone all out to support in organizing this program as well. I can not forget the enthusiasm and support shown by Sri C.S. Veeraraghavan of the Mylapore Academy in particular. I am very much thankful to him and also to Sri T.D. Sadasivam and Sri Krishmurthy of the Mylapore Academy for their support.
Coming back to the contest, it was conducted exclusively for the students of Chennai based colleges and schools. There were two categories, one for the College students, with the Topic, “Can good governance contribute for national development?” The other category was for the School Students with the Topic, “What does good governance mean to me?” Both these topics were given to make the youngsters think about good governance and its relevance today. The last date for submission of the essay was 10th August 2007. The entries were closed exactly at 11.59 p.m. on 10th August 2007.
The response was overwhelming. There were in all 123 Registrations in both the Categories. Out of the entries submitted, 27 entries qualified for evaluation by the Judges. There were two late entries as well. Interestingly, the contest had an international participation too though it was meant only for Chennai based students. A student of The Chapin School, New York who happened to be in Chennai also took part in the contest!
The entries were evaluated by a panel of judges. I am thankful to the Judges (i) Sri Charukesi Vishwanathan, a well known writer and a freelance journalist, (ii) Sri V Sivakumar, Director, PCRA, Chennai (iii) Ms. Meenalochiny, DGM, BSNL, Chennai (iv) Ms. Anitha Kandukuri, Tech Lead and Executive Manager, Commonwealth Government, Australia and (v) Ms. Madhu Vasanthi, Director, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). They readily accepted our invitation to be the Judges for this contest. Again, there is an international representation in the Panel of Judges as well. This was deliberately done to make a point that for the Online Contest the Judges could be anywhere in the world.
The Technical help for this contest was provided by Mr. Varun . S of Google who is in California, USA.
Above all, the interest and enthusiasm shown by the Students is remarkable. I am sure with their continued involvement and support, the spirit of SIV-G and the purpose behind this contest would be spread and realized by many more youngsters in the days ahead. I am glad to announce that similar contests will be conducted in other major cities also to create awareness amongst the students.
We have also received support from different corners for conducting this contest. Many eminent personalities have sent their good wishes and also messages for this program. I am glad to share in particular that Sri P. Shankar, IAS(Retd), former Central Vigilance Commissioner, who is presently at the United States had sent a message, which will be circulated.
Well, I am eagerly looking for the messages from the dignitaries on the dais. Before I conclude I find it appropriate to quote from Sri P. Shankar, former CVC’s message; “We cannot and should not wait for a Mahatma to come and fight for this. Each of us should raise our voice and the resultant roar should frighten the evil forces of corruption”. This is the very essence of SIV-G; and the Online Essay Contest, precisely, is a part of this exercise. Thanks for the opportunity.
G. Suresh
www.siv-g.org
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