*“Good health of citizens is essential for comprehensive development, as it helps enhance people’s productivity and creativity”: President Smt. Murmu*
*“This is an excellent beginning on the path of service to humanity”: Governor Shri Ramen Deka*
*Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the rapid expansion of health services in Chhattisgarh’s remote areas*
*33 gold medals awarded to 25 students and super-specialist degrees to 6 students at the third convocation of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Memorial Health Sciences and AYUSH University*
Raipur, //On the second day of her Chhattisgarh visit, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu attended the third convocation ceremony of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Memorial Health Sciences and AYUSH University. She emphasised that Chhattisgarh’s development will play a crucial role in achieving India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. President Smt. Murmu highlighted that citizens’ health is foundational to holistic growth, as it enhances productivity and creativity. At the event, she awarded 33 gold medals to 25 students and conferred Super Specialist degrees to six students.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka praised the achievements, noting that they reflect the students’ dedication and commitment to serving humanity. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai also emphasised the expansion of healthcare services in Chhattisgarh’s remote areas, where newly qualified doctors are addressing crucial needs. Assembly Speaker Shri Raman Singh, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pradeep Kumar Patra, the Registrar, students, and their families attended the convocation. Degrees were awarded to 6,337 medical professionals, including six super-specialist doctors, 606 postgraduates, and 5,725 graduates, with 25 doctors receiving gold medals.
Addressing the issue of sickle cell anaemia in tribal communities, President Smt. Murmu shared that the Government of India is actively working towards its eradication. She encouraged healthcare workers to raise awareness among the public about health issues and government initiatives, urging them to serve as a bridge between policymakers and the community. She advised students to work in rural areas to gain a firsthand understanding of health challenges faced by much of the country’s population, suggesting periodic postings at village health centres.
President Smt. Murmu acknowledged the challenge of providing adequate healthcare in Chhattisgarh’s rural areas and recognised the significant role of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Memorial Health Sciences and AYUSH University in this mission. Established to promote medical education and healthcare in the state, the university offers both modern medicine and AYUSH programs, alongside nursing courses. She expressed satisfaction that the institution is playing a crucial role in providing healthcare workers and contributing to quality healthcare in the state. While acknowledging progress, she noted that communicable diseases like malaria, filaria, and TB remain challenges, though steps are underway to eliminate them across India.
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu highlighted that the convocation ceremony is a significant milestone in the students’ lives, crediting their achievements to their talent, dedication, and hard work, as well as the support and guidance from their parents, families, and teachers. She reminded graduates to consider society’s role in their education and encouraged them to give back for the investment it has made in their growth. The President urged the new graduates to apply their knowledge of local issues to conduct research on the state’s health challenges and contribute to meaningful solutions.
Expressing her pleasure in visiting a university named after Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay—an eminent figure in Indian political and nationalist thought—President Smt. Murmu was especially proud that the majority of degree recipients were women, underscoring their growing presence in medicine. Reflecting on her visit, she shared her experiences addressing students at two engineering and two medical institutions, where she sensed enthusiasm and ambition among the young scholars, embodying her vision of a new, confident India moving towards its global aspirations.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka congratulated the graduates and their families, acknowledging their tireless efforts and dedication. He emphasised that this achievement marks not just an academic success but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to serving humanity. Shri Deka acknowledged the challenging path to becoming a doctor, one filled with demanding studies, clinical training, and late nights. He highlighted that while knowledge and skills are essential in medicine, honesty, empathy, and a commitment to others’ welfare define a true healthcare provider. Recognising the evolving challenges in the medical field, from emerging diseases to health disparities, the Governor encouraged students to see these as opportunities for innovation and improvement. He stressed the importance of maintaining humility and compassion, especially in moments when outcomes may not align with their best efforts.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the 33 meritorious students awarded gold medals and the six who received super-speciality degrees at the convocation of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Memorial Health Sciences and AYUSH University. He described medicine as a field of service to humanity and urged graduates to fulfil their duties with sensitivity and dedication to society and the nation. Shri Sai expressed satisfaction that the university offers education in Ayurveda, Unani, and Homoeopathy, reflecting the growing acceptance of traditional medical systems alongside modern medicine.
Referencing Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s principle of Antyodaya—uplifting the most marginalised—Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that naming the university after him serves as an inspiration to extend healthcare services to all segments of society. He highlighted the contributions of the Institute of Epidemic Science, Disease Control, and Research and the Teacher Training Institute as milestones in the medical field. University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Pradeep Kumar Patra presented a progress report on the institution’s achievements and honoured all distinguished guests with mementoes and shawls.
