Overview
As part of the Operation Zero Bribe (OZB) campaign’s early outreach initiatives, an interactive talk show was conducted on 25 July 2025 at V.T. Choksi Sarvajanik Law College, Athwalines, Surat. The programme aimed to engage law students in meaningful discussions on corruption, legal ethics, civic responsibility, and the role of youth in building a transparent and accountable society.
Organized in collaboration with the college, the event provided a platform where students could openly discuss the challenges of corruption and understand the importance of integrity in both professional and public life. Instead of following a conventional lecture format, the programme adopted an interactive peer-to-peer discussion model, encouraging active participation, open dialogue, and critical thinking.
The session successfully connected legal education with practical civic responsibility, enabling students to understand how ethical decision-making and public participation contribute to effective anti-corruption efforts.
Event Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Operation Zero Bribe Talk Show |
| Date | 25 July 2025 |
| Venue | V.T. Choksi Sarvajanik Law College, Athwalines, Surat |
| Organised By | Operation Zero Bribe Campaign |
| Collaborating Institution | V.T. Choksi Sarvajanik Law College |
| Format | Interactive Peer-to-Peer Talk Show |
| Participants | Approximately 300 Law Students |
Objectives
The primary objectives of the programme were to:
- Raise awareness about corruption and ethical governance.
- Familiarize students with India’s anti-corruption legal framework.
- Encourage ethical decision-making among future legal professionals.
- Promote active citizenship and civic responsibility.
- Inspire youth to become ambassadors of transparency and integrity.
Context
India has established several legal mechanisms to combat corruption, including the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. However, legal provisions alone cannot eliminate corruption unless citizens understand their rights and actively participate in promoting ethical practices.
Recognizing this gap, the Operation Zero Bribe campaign designed the talk show to translate legal concepts into practical civic understanding. The programme emphasized that lasting change requires both effective laws and responsible citizens committed to integrity.
Key Discussions
The session revolved around several important themes, including:
- Understanding corruption as both a legal and social issue.
- The importance of ethics in the legal profession.
- The responsibility of young citizens in strengthening democratic values.
- Practical ways to discourage bribery in everyday life.
- Building a culture of honesty through individual behavioural change.
Speaker Insights
| Speaker | Key Contribution |
|---|---|
| Arif Ansari | Explained that law should be practiced as a service dedicated to justice and ethics rather than merely as a profession. He emphasized that professional integrity is fundamental to maintaining public confidence in the legal system. |
| Yuvraj Pokharna | Motivated students to use their legal education for social transformation and encouraged them to become responsible citizens committed to public welfare. |
| Harshit Hemnani (Founder & Moderator) | Clarified that Operation Zero Bribe is a citizen-driven awareness movement rather than a campaign against any particular institution or individual. He emphasized that the initiative seeks a long-term moral transformation by changing public attitudes towards bribery. |
Strategic Outcomes
| Focus Area | Approach | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioural Awareness | Encouraged ethical thinking instead of confrontation. | Promoted sustainable anti-corruption behaviour. |
| Academic Engagement | Connected legal education with civic responsibility. | Increased student participation in social issues. |
| Digital Outreach | Shared programme highlights through official social media platforms. | Expanded awareness beyond the campus community. |
| Citizen Participation | Encouraged students to volunteer as para-legal supporters. | Strengthened community engagement and public participation. |
Media and Public Outreach
The programme received recognition through both print and digital media, helping extend its message beyond the college campus.
Media Platforms
| Platform | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Local Newspapers | Featured in Surat-based regional publications |
| Digital News Platforms | Online news reports and campaign coverage |
| Official Social Media | Event photographs, highlights, and awareness content shared through the campaign’s official channels |
The campaign also maintained continuous engagement with the public through its official Instagram page, where updates, awareness content, and event highlights were regularly published.
Community Outreach Partners
The campaign was supported by several local organizations and media platforms that helped amplify public awareness.
| Partner | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Let’s Go Surat | Local digital awareness and promotion |
| Social Yacht Surat | Marketing and communication support |
| Surat City News | News reporting and event coverage |
Media Reference
Media Coverage of the Operation Zero Bribe Talk Show at V.T. Choksi Sarvajanik Law College, Surat
Source: Dainik Bhaskar, Surat Edition (27 July 2025).
Impact
The Operation Zero Bribe Talk Show successfully engaged approximately 300 law students in discussions on ethics, transparency, and civic responsibility. The interactive format encouraged students to critically examine the social and legal dimensions of corruption while understanding their role as future legal professionals.
The programme reinforced the importance of combining legal education with ethical leadership and community participation. By encouraging students to become para-legal volunteers and advocates of integrity, the campaign strengthened youth involvement in promoting transparent governance.
The extensive support received from educational institutions, local media, and digital platforms further expanded the campaign’s reach, ensuring that the key messages extended beyond the classroom and contributed to broader public awareness on ethical governance and anti-corruption initiatives.
