Strive for mastery, serve society: Governor tells health care graduates

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chancellor of the Kerala University of Health Sciences, has urged every graduate of the university to strive for mastery in their profession, nurturing a strong sense of service and social commitment.

Addressing the graduands during the 22nd convocation of the university held at the Senate Hall here on Tuesday, he stressed that excellence in health care is essential to serve society effectively.

“Your sphere of development should not remain confined within the walls of the hospital. It is important to go beyond that, think differently, and deliver the best possible service to society and the people,” the Governor said. He added that health care, unlike many other professions, demands social commitment, and that health care professionals are chosen for their job considering them the perfect choice for serving society.

Mr. Arlekar also urged the graduates to uphold the oath they took during the convocation ceremony and make it a way of life to serve people wholeheartedly. “Everyone should earn money, but health care professionals must think differently and ensure that they earn while also contributing to society,” he added.

Vice-Chancellor Mohanan Kunnummal delivered the welcome address. S. Gopakumar, Registrar; S. Anil Kumar, Controller of Examination; R. Binoj, Dean, Academic; K.S. Shaji, Dean, Research; R. Asish, Dean, Student Affairs; faculty deans representing the seven streams of health sciences, members of the governing council and academic council, vice-chancellors of other universities, graduands, parents, and distinguished guests attended the ceremony.

Students from the seven academic streams of the university received their degrees at the convocation. A total of 7,457 students from 395 health sciences institutions across the State have graduated from the university during the period in disciplines including Modern Medicine, Dental Sciences, Ayurveda/Unani/Siddha, Homoeopathy, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences.

The graduands included 2,363 postgraduates, 11 Ph.D. awardees, and 5,083 undergraduate degree holders. With the latest batch, the total number of graduates produced by the university since its inception has risen to 1,89,497.

At the convocation, 11 students who secured first rank in various undergraduate and postgraduate examinations were honoured with cash awards and plaques. The university also presented the Dr. C.K. Jayaram Panicker Endowment Award, instituted in 2017 for the student securing the highest marks in the second-year MBBS Microbiology regular examination, and the Dr. Shobha Sundareswaran Academic Excellence in Orthodontics Endowment Award.