“medical profession is not just a career, it is a path to serve humanity with deep sensitivity. No matter how advanced technology becomes, it can never replace compassion, integrity, and a patient-centric approach,” said Droupadi Murmu, President of India, on Wednesday. She was speaking as the chief guest at the Second Convocation Ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur. In her keynote address, the President emphasised that sensitivity is the most vital attribute of a doctor’s life. “A physician does not merely treat a disease, but instills hope in the heart of the suffering,” added the President during her speech. Highlighting the challenges of the profession, she remarked that, even in the most difficult situations, doctors must remain sensitive to patients and their families. Murmu urged the graduating students to maintain the spirit of curiosity and research, reminding them that while success is important, becoming a good human being through compassion is the ultimate goal.

 

 

 

She also stressed the need to bridge the gap between rural and urban healthcare using Digital Health Mission and AI. Several high-ranking dignitaries, including Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra; Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare; Dr Anant Pandhare, President of AIIMS Nagpur; Dr Prashant Joshi, Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur, along with others were present during the ceremony. The Convocation was formally declared open by Dr Anant Pandhare, who also delivered the welcome address. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma emphasised the need for collaboration between AIIMS Nagpur and the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem. While addressing the gathering and students, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the State’s commitment to expanding medical infrastructure.

 

Sharing a visionary goal, Fadnavis said that, “The Government is working towards providing comprehensive healthcare infrastructure within a 5-kilometre radius for every citizen. Over 15 new medical colleges have been established in Maharashtra recently to reach the last person in society.” Fadnavis added, “The world needs your service today. You are stepping out not just as degree holders, but as healers. When knowledge is combined with compassion, you truly succeed in your mission to save lives.” Meanwhile, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav reminded the students that the responsibility of making India’s healthcare system ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) now rests on their shoulders. Further, the ceremony commenced with Prashant Joshi presenting the institutional report. He detailed the rapid growth of AIIMS Nagpur in clinical services, academic excellence, and cutting-edge research, newly added courses, establishing it as a premier healthcare hub in Central India. A total of 210 students were awarded degrees during the convocation, including 129 MBBS graduates, 29 MD/MS graduates, 35 B Sc (Hons) Nursing graduates, 5 M Sc students and 12 Allied Health Sciences graduates. President Murmu personally presented gold medals to top-performing students, marking a milestone in their journey from students to medical professionals dedicated to the nation’s service.

 

Dr Vedavati Bandyopadhyay (MD/MS, July 2022 batch) and Dr Sunkari Hari Babu (MD/MS, January 2023 batch) were awarded for securing the top position in the Final Professional Examination in their respective sessions. In MBBS 2020 batch, Priyanka was awarded the Dr Sanjay Mukund Paithankar Medal for securing the top position in the Final Professional Examination and was also recognised as the topper in Community Medicine. Vaidehi J Loya (MBBS 2020 batch) received the Dr Sanjay Mukund Paithankar Medal for securing the top position in General Medicine. Among nursing and allied health sciences, Nikita Joshi (B Sc Nursing, 2021 batch) and Tauseef Ahmed Laskar (B.Sc. Allied and Healthcare, 2021 batch) were recognised as toppers in their respective programs, while Arsala Parveen (M Sc, 2022-2023 batch) secured the top position in the M Sc Final Professional Examination. The ceremony concluded with the National Song and National Anthem. Meanwhile, a vote of thanks was proposed by Dean (Academics), Dr Rasika Gadkari.