Today’s Grads, Tomorrow’s Docs! It’s a Milestone for Graduates of AJIMS & RC
Today’s Grads, Tomorrow’s Docs! It’s a Milestone for Graduates of A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre
“Graduation is here, you’ve really come far; Rejoice and be Happy, accept who you are. Address every day with purpose and aim, Decide what you want, make a living your game! Understand and discover, always be true, The world is your canvas, inviting and new; Opportunity awaits you, just walk through the door, New moments each day, are yours to explore!”- Graduation March
Mangaluru: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever “- This quote from Mahatma Gandhi’s has a universal appeal for those who are about to move forward to a 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 a day when graduates make their way onto the next chapter in their lives. It is also a day when they celebrate the 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 Graduation Day and Annual Day CelebrationS of A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (AJIMS)- Mangaluru, was held on Saturday, 4 March 2017 at 5:00 p.m. in the College Auditorium. Dr K G Jagadeesha IAS, the DC of DK was the chief guest, while the guest of honour was Dr Shantharam Shetty-Pro-Chancellor, Nitte University, and presided over by Dr A J Shetty -President of Laxmi Memorial Education Trust (LMET). Prashanth Shetty – Vice President, LMET; Dr Prashanth Marla – Medical Director, AJHRC ; Prof Dr M Ramesh Pai -Dean, AJIMS; Sharadha J Shetty- Director, LMET; Ashritha P Shetty- Director, LMET; Dr Ashok Hegde- Dean, AJIMS and RC; were among the 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. All these graduates 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 Dr Shravya Rao followed by the welcome address delivered by Prof. Santhosh T Soans- HOD of Paediatrics; reading of the Annual Report was done by Dr Ashok Hegde – 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 Dean Dr Ashok Hegde, and later 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 Post Graduates and Under Graduates rank holders in Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences-Karnataka were felicitated.
Chief guest Dr Jagadeesha 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 humankind 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 graduates should also serve the people in rural areas. 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 Dr A J Shetty and his family for starting this hospital to serve those in need of medical care”.
Dr Shantharam Shetty 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”.
A multitude of thoughts and emotions were playing in the minds of all the graduates-they say that language is the dress of thought- and to reflect on these, on behalf of the graduates, Dr Suhas and Dr Prajwal Shanti delivered the much anticipated Valedictorians speech-the journey retold. Both Dr Suhas and Dr Prajwal received mementos as token of love from VP Prashanth Shetty. Neighbours envy- Owners’ pride! An enviable bevy of exceptional individuals who have made excellence their habit were presented with the Meritorious Awards by VP Prashanth Shetty.
With an eye for excellence coupled with a vision to reach the unreached, the Dept. of Ophthalmology had reached dizzy heights of academic achievements in both the Undergraduate and Post Graduate exams conducted by RGUHS-Karnataka- all three Post Graduates have secured University Ranks including the First Rank-Dr Sudhir Hegde, HOD of Ophthalmology was presented with a memento from Dr A J Shetty for this feat. If we think of the three biggest sportsmen of our Country has given birth to, it would probably be Major Dhyan Chand, Sachin Tendulkar and the third being the “Payyoli Express” P T Usha, in no specific order. P T Usha who was in the audience to grace the graduation of her son was felicitated by Dr A J Shetty.
A great teacher is the one who epitomizes the triumph of will over constraints, of genius over circumstances. Dr M Ramesh Pai is one such teacher par excellence, a prificient administrator, a good orator and a skillful clinician. For his dedicated service of 8 years as Dean of the institution, Dr Ramesh Pai was felicitated by Dr E V Suranjan Maben-HOD of Medicine. In response, Dr Pai shared his thoughts and moments serving as a Dean.
A J 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 treatments. 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 need, 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” was released by the chief guest. Mementos were presented to HODs of various departments, including felicitations of staff. The vote of thanks was delivered by the tranquil Dr Anita KB-Professor of Microbiology and also the co-ordinator of Graduation Committee, and the entire proceedings of the function was brilliantly and professionally compered by Dr Pradeep Senapathi and Dr Reshma Kiran. The formal function was followed by a photo session, cultural programme, and off course, a sumptuous dinner.
In conclusion, congratulating all these graduates on behalf of Team Mangalorean (Mangalorean.com), 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!”