Kalyani, July 30: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday underscored the vital role of socially conscious doctors in shaping the nation’s progress, urging the medical community, especially young graduates—to remain committed to public welfare and continuous learning. Speaking as the chief guest at the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Kalyani, held at its Basantapur campus in Nadia, the President emphasized that doctors have often contributed more than governments or other stakeholders in addressing the country’s major health challenges.
Citing India’s significant strides in public health, she noted that vaccination efforts have brought about remarkable change, with several diseases being eradicated in recent years. “India was declared trachoma-free last year. But the journey is far from over. Many challenges remain, and in facing them, young doctors will play a decisive role,” she said. Stressing the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases, she remarked, “Doctors have a bigger role than the government and other stakeholders in controlling health problems like diabetes, heart ailments and obesity.”
In her address to the graduating students, President Murmu reflected on the meaning of convocation, describing it as a symbolic return to society armed with education and skills. “It marks the entry into practical life. But remember, acquiring knowledge is a lifelong process,” she said. As the inaugural MBBS batch of AIIMS Kalyani, the President told the students that they now stand as the senior-most alumni of the institute and thus bear a special responsibility in shaping its identity and legacy. “In this way, you are also the makers of the future of AIIMS Kalyani,” she said.
The President encouraged the new doctors to stay abreast of the rapid advancements taking place in the field of medical science. “Be lifelong learners and stay updated with new research and treatment methods,” she advised, reminding them that the medical profession demands both intellectual discipline and constant evolution.
Reflecting on Kalyani’s origins, President Murmu recalled that the foundation stone of the planned city was laid by Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. Despite serving a long tenure as West Bengal’s Chief Minister, he continued to treat patients free of cost. Calling upon the students, faculty, and administrators of AIIMS Kalyani to take a pledge to elevate the institution to a national centre of pride, she urged them to emulate Dr. Roy’s ideals, particularly his commitment to providing free medical services to the poor and underserved.
She also highlighted the importance of setting personal examples in promoting public health. “Genetic manifestations are a different matter, but most health problems can be prevented or
mitigated through proper diet and lifestyle,” she said, urging doctors to integrate lifestyle counselling into their practice. “When doctors give advice, it carries weight. And when they embody that advice themselves, its impact is even greater.”
In her concluding remarks, the President offered a word of caution to the new doctors about maintaining their own health while serving others, particularly during their time as residential doctors. “Residency means the doctor is constantly available in the hospital. For many reasons, working without pause during this period is often glorified. But it’s now well established that insufficient rest and continuous work negatively affect a doctor’s performance and efficiency,” she said. Referring to research findings, she added, “This situation is neither good for the doctor nor for the patient. Some resident doctors push themselves to extremes in the eagerness to gain experience, but senior researchers now agree that long hours and sleep deprivation are not beneficial for young doctors.”
During the convocation, certificates were conferred upon 48 MBBS and 9 PDCC students. Kalarab Mukherjee received the Best Outgoing Student Medal from President Murmu. AIIMS Kalyani’s first MBBS batch was admitted in September 2019, and it took nearly six years for the institution to hold its maiden convocation ceremony.
The event was also attended by West Bengal’s Minister of State for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya, Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and local MP Shantanu Thakur, and West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose.