Kolkata, 30 July (H.S.) —

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday graced the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Kalyani in West Bengal’s Nadia district, where she called upon young doctors to look beyond medicine as a profession and embrace it as a mission of public service. She urged the graduating students to draw inspiration from Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, renowned physician, freedom fighter, and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal.

In her address, the President highlighted India's remarkable progress in public health since independence. “At the time of independence, India's average life expectancy was just 32 years. Today, it has nearly doubled to around 70 years — a testament to the healthcare sector’s dedication,” she said.

She further noted the country’s achievements in immunization and disease control, citing the recent declaration of India as trachoma-free as an example of targeted healthcare interventions.

Stressing the importance of preventive healthcare, President Murmu said, “A healthy lifestyle and balanced diet can help prevent many diseases. Doctors who lead by example and follow a disciplined life have a greater impact on society.” She encouraged young doctors to not only prescribe medicines but also guide patients toward healthier living habits.

Speaking to the graduating class, she said, “As the first batch of AIIMS Kalyani, you carry the responsibility of shaping the institution’s legacy. Your dedication will define its future as a center of national pride.”

The President emphasized the importance of continuous learning in the rapidly evolving field of medical science and recalled the founding of Kalyani town by Dr. B.C. Roy. She lauded his commitment to public welfare, noting that even while serving as Chief Minister, Dr. Roy continued to offer free medical services.

She urged faculty, students, and administrators at AIIMS Kalyani to commit themselves to transforming the institute into a hub of national excellence and integrity.

Among the dignitaries present at the event were West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, West Bengal Minister of State for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya, and Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur.

The convocation marked the graduation of AIIMS Kalyani’s inaugural MBBS batch, admitted in 2019. Degrees were conferred upon 48 MBBS graduates and nine scholars from the Post-Doctoral Certificate Course (PDCC).

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh