Damdei Christian College in Manipur has initiated a campaign titled “Free and Fair Exams,” aimed at fostering academic integrity and combating malpractices during examinations. Launched as part of a one-day awareness program, the initiative seeks to curb dishonest practices and promote a culture of honesty and responsibility among students.
Faculty, students, and staff actively participated in the program, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ethical standards in academic assessments. Students were encouraged to pledge their commitment to refraining from unfair means during exams and to serve as role models for their peers. They demonstrated their dedication by signing a pledge board that promotes the message: “Together we can create a future where integrity, fairness, and equal opportunity thrive in exams.”
The board outlines four key principles:
- Uphold honesty in my exam.
- Respect the effort of my peers and understand that success is meaningful when achieved fairly.
- Adhere to all examination rules and regulations.
- Be accountable for my actions in upholding the integrity of the exam process.
The campaign has received strong support from parents, educators, and local community leaders, who consider it a vital step towards ensuring that students in the Kangpokpi District excel not only academically but ethically as well. Organizers hope the initiative will inspire similar movements in other schools, further promoting a culture of fairness and integrity across the region.
During the event, Paotinsei Kipgen praised the initiative, calling it “thoughtful and relevant.” He commended Damdei Christian College for hosting such seminars, which he described as a testament to the institution’s commitment to education. “While unfair means might offer a short-term victory, they ultimately destroy both individual futures and societal well-being. Let’s drop such cultures and practices,” Kipgen urged.
Assistant Commissioner of Kangpokpi, Lamminlal Simte, MCS, also addressed the students, likening exam cheating to “cheating yourself” and comparing it to drug use—tempting in the moment but harmful in the long run. Dr. Parmawi Haokip, Vice Principal (Academic), highlighted the detrimental effects of cheating, stressing that exam malpractices not only undermine the value of education but also erode trust in the academic system, urging collective action to safeguard the institution’s integrity.
