The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, successfully hosted the Graduation Ceremony for the 2018 Batch on Wednesday, September 12, 2024, at the MGIMS New Auditorium. The event was graced by Shri Amar Sharadrao Kale, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, as the Chief Guest.
The function was presided over by Shri P. L. Tapdiya, President of the Kasturba Health Society. Other dignitaries on the dais included Dr. B. S. Garg (Secretary, Kasturba Health Society), Dr. A. K. Shukla (Dean, MGIMS), Dr. Poonam V. Shivkumar (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital), and Dr. Satish Kumar (Officer-in-Charge, Students’ Council). The event, attended by faculty, students, and parents, was a heartfelt celebration of the students' journey into their medical careers.
The Chief Guest, Shri Amar Sharadrao Kale, felicitated the graduating batch of 2018 with their degrees and certificates, marking the culmination of their academic journey. In his address, he remarked, “As doctors, you are among the few who possess the extraordinary power to save lives. Remember, the knowledge you have gained is not just your own—it belongs to society. Your duty is to propagate it for the greater good.” He also urged the graduates to choose a path of service that upholds values of compassion and dedication to humanity.
Shri P. L. Tapdiya, in his Presidential Address, offered insightful remarks on the rich legacy of Kasturba Health Society in carrying forward Mahatma Gandhi’s and Dr. Sushila Nayar’s mission of providing accessible, affordable, and appropriate healthcare to rural communities. “Our mission has always been to serve the poorest of the poor, and now it is your turn to take this torch forward”, Shri Tapdiya added. Dr. AK Shukla acknowledged the hard work and dedication of MGIMS's newest medical professionals. He emphasized that MGIMS stands apart as an institution of international repute, and urged the graduates to remain steadfast in upholding the values instilled in them.
Dr. Poonam V. Shivkumar administered the renowned Hippocratic Oath, instilling a sense of duty and ethics in the new graduates. She also emphasized prioritizing own health and offered wisdom to inspire students preparing for NEET. Dr. BS Garg reinforced the message, stating, “You are the ambassadors of MGIMS. Disseminate the values that you have imbibed from this hallowed institution”. He laid strong emphasis on both the importance of evidence-based medicine and the challenges that artificial intelligence may present in the future.
Student representatives, Dr. Dipanshi Gupta and Dr. Pranjal Jain from the 2018 batch, shared heartfelt reflections on their experiences, expressing gratitude for the guidance and support they received throughout their time at MGIMS. Dr. Pranjal Jain remarked, “The last five years at MGIMS have been some of the best times of our lives, where we learned, laughed, and made lifelong friends.”
Dr. Satish Kumar, Head of the Biochemistry Department, introduced the Chief Guest, while Dr. Pranita Waghmare (Professor of Biochemistry) and Ms. Anoushka Sakpal (Undergraduate, 2021 Batch) compered the program.