President Droupadi Murmu presided over the historic inaugural convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Deoghar, Jharkhand, on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for medical education in the Santhal region. As the chief guest, she felicitated 48 MBBS graduates from the 2019 batch, including four gold medalists and five meritorious students, celebrating their completion of a rigorous academic journey.
The ceremony, held in the temple city of Deoghar, was attended by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, MP Nishikant Dubey, and state Minister Dipika Pandey Singh, who warmly welcomed the President at Deoghar airport. The event underscored AIIMS-Deoghar’s emergence as a beacon of advanced healthcare and education in eastern India.
In her address, President Murmu praised the graduates for their dedication, urging them to serve with compassion and uphold the medical profession’s ethos. “Doctors are representatives of humanity’s highest ideals,” she said, echoing her remarks at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar’s recent convocation, where she highlighted the institute’s role in treating over 10 lakh patients annually. She emphasized AIIMS-Deoghar’s potential to transform healthcare access in Jharkhand, a state she holds close, having served as its Governor from 2015 to 2021.
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The institute, established with a foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 25, 2018, at a cost of Rs 1,103 crore, has rapidly developed into a premier medical facility. On July 12, 2022, PM Modi dedicated its inpatient department and operation theatre, boosting its capacity to serve the region. The convocation showcased AIIMS-Deoghar’s journey, with a presentation highlighting its achievements, including state-of-the-art facilities and its role in addressing local healthcare challenges.
Extensive security measures ensured a seamless event, with a no-fly zone, mock drills, and an alternative route from Deoghar airport to avoid disrupting the Sawan rush of Kanwariya pilgrims. Jharkhand Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari oversaw preparations, ensuring meticulous arrangements for the President’s visit across Deoghar, Ranchi, and Dhanbad.
President Murmu’s two-day Jharkhand visit continues on Friday, when she will grace the 45th convocation of IIT (Indian School of Mines) in Dhanbad, felicitating 20 gold medalists. This marks her second time attending an IIT-ISM convocation, following former President Pranab Mukherjee’s visit in 2014. She will also offer prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar before departing, reflecting her deep connection to Jharkhand’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
The President’s presence has sparked enthusiasm across Jharkhand, with locals viewing her as a symbol of inspiration. Her visit, part of a three-day tour including West Bengal’s AIIMS-Kalyani convocation, reaffirms her commitment to fostering academic excellence and healthcare development in eastern India.
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