Mangaluru: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”- This quote from Mahatma Gandhi, has a universal appeal for those who are about to move forward to new experience. “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – this popular quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds graduates of their uniqueness, as well as their ability to create their own path in the world. “To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream, not only dream, but also believe.” – this quote by Anatole France combines the necessity of both faith and hard work as a road to success for all graduates.
Graduation Day is often a time of celebration. Graduates of all ages are recognized for their academic accomplishments at the end of each academic era in their lives. It is the day when graduates make their way on to the next chapter in their lives. It is also a day when they celebrate accomplishment, new beginnings, and success. The day also reminds new graduates how valuable their education and accomplishments are. Graduation Day! It fills the heart with mixed feelings — fulfillment and sadness, anxiety and eagerness. Say goodbye to the comfortable and secure life within college walls. Get ready to march to the beat of the business world. The uncertainty of the future looms large over fresh graduates as they spread out their wings. Armed with diplomas and idealistic dreams, they charge ahead with enthusiasm. The fresh graduate needs oodles of advice and inspiration. According to Louis L’Amour, “The best of all things is to learn. Money can be lost or stolen, health and strength may fail, but what you have committed to your mind is yours forever.”
The IX Graduation Day and Annual Day of A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (AJIMS)- Mangaluru, was held on Saturday, 19 March 2016 at the College Auditorium. Seventy Eight graduate students (Bachelor of Medicine; and Bachelor of Surgery) from the batch of 2010 and Fifty Eight Post Graduate students of 2012 batch received their respective degree certificates this day. The First PG (MCh) from the super specialty department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was also conferred his degree on this occasion. Dr Sharanprakash Rudrappa Patil – the Hon’ble State Minister of Medical Education was the chief guest, while the guest of honour was Dr VP Gangadharan -Medical Oncologist, Lakeshore Hospital- Kochi (Kerala). AJ Shetty -President of Laxmi Memorial Education Trust presided over the function. Prashanth Shetty – Vice President, LMET, Dr Prashanth Marla – Medical Director, AJHRC and Prof Dr M Ramesh Pai -Dean, AJIMS were other dignitaries on the dais.
A graduation ceremony is a pageant celebrating the transition from student to graduate and marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their life. 137 graduates all dressed to thrill in their graduation gowns, and who were about to receive their certificates and medals were all beaming with smile and pride as they were ready to enter the hall for the big celebrations, amidst their teachers, parents and college-mates. The function commenced with the entry of graduates in a beautiful “Graduation March” by the way of traditional pattern with flowers and balloons all around followed by the dignitaries of the occasion.
The programme began with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song sung by a college student, followed by the welcome address delivered by Dr Ashok Hegde – HOD of Ophthalmology ; reading of the Annual Report was done by Dr Ramesh Pai – Dean of AJIMS&RC. The “Double Celebrations” were inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by the chief guest along with all other dignitaries on the dais. Then followed the main celebration of the day – the Graduation Ceremony, where the graduates were made to recite the “Hippocratic Oath” administered by DR Ramesh Pai, and then all of them were presented with their degree certificates and medals/mementos. Few other students were also awarded for their performances in academics, sports and cultural activities. Also on this occasion seven Post Graduates and 28 Under Graduates rank holders in Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences-Karnataka were felicitated. The valedictorian speech was delivered by Dr Abhishek Krishna in his witty style.
Chief guest Dr S R Patil addressing the graduates said, ” Remember that your profession is one of the best profession that you have chosen as your career. This is a responsible profession serving human kind. Patients will be looking forward for your dedicated service with love and care. You need to develop some communication skills, compassion towards patients, your love and caring towards the society. Think of service first, and then think of making money. Your duty is to serve the mankind. You may not like me because of the rule that I have implemented that you after graduation should serve the people in rural areas at least for a year. We need more doctors in the rural areas to care and serve them in their medical needs. Give and sacrifice part of your life for this good cause, serving the patients in rural areas. The government will be opening many multi-specialty hospitals in these rural areas to care for the poor there. In this regard the help of doctors is very much needed. I compliment AJ Shetty and his family for starting this hospital to serve those in need of medical care”.
Dr VP Gangadharan delivering the key note address said, ” You as doctors now are very much needed in the society. The society don’t need doctors who boast about their ranks and merits, instead need doctors who are dedicated, caring and loving towards the community/society. Other than just learning, you should also involve in co-curricular activities, sports etc.- these should also be your qualities beyond your profession. You need to mix in the society, live in the society, and that’s what a doctor should be. If you save one life, that would be the greatest achievement in your career. Yes, today you are proud to be a graduate, but you have a long long way to go before you become a ‘Real Doctor’, probably at the age of 45-50 you will be a ‘Real Doctor’-trust me”.
AJ Shetty in his presidential address said, “I feel proud of all because you have brought quite a few laurels and name for your college. Your hard work and dedication has really paid good results. You all have achieved success in your college, now serve the community with pride with what you have learned at AJIMS &RC. In the medical field, doctors play an important role. Make the best use of the knowledge that you have gained and help the society. Ranks don’t matter much, but your service and commitment to your duties count a lot. My advise to the staff and students is that you need to spread the awareness of medical treatments and its benefits, because the public are not aware much about the benefits of some medical treatment. You should also bring awareness about Organ Donation, which is a gift of life. Now that you are moving out of the college and will be serving those patients in needs, you should be an asset to the community through your dedicated services. Utilize your talents and knowledge that you gained from your college. Be ready to help someone who is in need of medical assistance. Wish you all best of luck and and success in your future endeavors”.
During the occasion, the “Graduate Year Book” and also the “AJ Times” a news letter of LMET were released by the chief guest. Mementos were presented to HODs of various departments, including felicitations of staff. In order to help the poor and needy patients who are economically backward and ailing from Cancer, the management along with the students and staff formally launched “AJ CANCURE Charitable Trust” on this occasion. Although the initial funding released to the Trust was by AJ Shetty, the President of Laxmi Memorial Education Trust, in addition to this amount, all the teaching staff of AJIMS & RC have agreed to donate their one day salary towards this good cause.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Kalpana Ashfaque, and the entire proceedings of the function was brilliantly and professionally compered by Dr Priya Kamath and Dr Shilpa Ranjan Mulky. The formal function was followed by photo session, cultural programme, and off course, a sumptuous dinner.
In conclusion, congratulating the 137 graduates and quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s words, ” Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.”, I end this column by saying, “Go and move into the society and follow these words of Gandhi, and be good physicians, serve the patients with dedication and sincerity and bring joy and smiles on their faces. Whatever your ambition and goals are be happy with what opportunities come your way. Work hard with sincerity and dedication and success will be yours. You will have ample of opportunities to serve the society around the world. Those who are dedicated towards their service, who are passionate about the work and who have high integrity with positive interpersonal skills will be successful in their life. Go ahead and make your own destiny. In every moment of life, strive for excellence, surround yourself with good people and be generous. Wish you all luck in your future career and endeavours. May God bless you all. Long Live the Doctors!”
