Chandigarh:
At the 39th Convocation of PGIMER held today, 682 graduates were conferred degrees across multiple medical disciplines, while 95 medals were awarded to meritorious students in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements, further reinforcing PGIMER’s enduring legacy of excellence in medical education, research, and patient care.
The prestigious ceremony was graced by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, attended as the Esteemed Guest, while Dr. Vinod K. Paul, Former Member, NITI Aayog, joined as the Guest of Honour. Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, and Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics) also shared the dais with the dignitaries. .
Delivering the Convocation address, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda emphasized the need to combine technological advancement with compassion in medical practice as he stated, “Technology will shape the future of medicine, but compassion must remain the soul of healthcare. Artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and precision medicine can advance treatment, yet nothing can replace the healing power of human touch and empathy.”
Lauding PGIMER’s contribution to India’s healthcare ecosystem, the Hon’ble Minister remarked, “PGIMER continues to strengthen its position as a premier centre of medical education, patient care, and research excellence. With over 850 ongoing extramural research projects and more than 100 intramural projects, the institute reflects a strong culture of innovation, scientific inquiry, and evidence-based medicine.”
Highlighting India’s healthcare transformation, Shri Nadda noted, “A decade ago, India had only 387 medical colleges; today, that number has risen to 820. Undergraduate medical seats have increased from 51,000 to 1,26,000, with a target to add 75,000 more UG and PG seats in the next five years, of which 28,000 have already been added in the last two years. Similarly, postgraduate seats have grown significantly from 31,000 to 85,000, reflecting the remarkable transformation of India’s medical education landscape.”
Reflecting on the larger responsibility of doctors, the Hon’ble Minister stated, “Medical education is not merely a personal achievement; it is a privilege nurtured by society and supported by the nation. Every young doctor must carry forward this responsibility with humility, compassion, and commitment to give back to society.”
The Hon’ble Minister, while reflecting on anecdotes from his own life, shared an important life lesson, stating, “Behind every successful doctor stands the silent sacrifice of parents, teachers, mentors, and countless individuals whose contributions shape a life of excellence. Staying grounded and grateful is the true mark of greatness.”
Concluding his address, Shri Nadda urged graduates to uphold institutional values, saying, “A medical degree is not merely an academic achievement; it is a lifelong responsibility towards humanity. Carry forward the values of compassion, ethics, humility and excellence that institutions like PGIMER have upheld for decades.”
Earlier, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, highlighted the institute’s achievements and national impact. Speaking on telemedicine, he stated, “Telemedicine, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister in 2016, has transformed healthcare accessibility, with PGIMER delivering over 40 lakh tele-consultations free of cost through eSanjeevani, reducing travel burden and improving specialist access for patients across the country.”
Apprising the gathering about PGIMER’s role in national service, the Director said, “During Operation Sindoor, PGIMER demonstrated its national responsibility through timely deployment of doctors and healthcare professionals, reaffirming that medical institutions are not only centres of healing but also pillars of national preparedness.”
Highlighting the impact of public welfare schemes, Prof. Lal stated, “Under Ayushman Bharat, nearly ₹650 crore has been utilized for patient care treating over 2.5 lakh patients till date, significantly reducing financial burden on families. Treatments costing ₹10–15 lakh elsewhere have become accessible at a fraction of the cost.”
On transplant excellence, he added, “PGIMER continues to lead the nation in transplant medicine, maintaining its position as number one in renal transplants while also emerging as a pioneering centre for simultaneous pancreatic and kidney transplantation.”
Emphasising academic outreach, the Director noted, “PGIMER remains the only institution in India transmitting all its academic sessions globally, connecting learners and alumni across countries including the United Kingdom and USA.”
Reiterating the institute’s patient-first philosophy, Prof. Lal said, “At PGIMER, the guiding principle remains simple yet profound—patient first, patient last. Every effort in research, academics, innovation, and clinical care is aligned towards patient welfare and strengthening trust in public healthcare.”
During the ceremony, degrees were conferred upon 61 PhD, 114 DM, 67 MCh, 323 MD, 103 MS, and 14 MDS graduates. The institute awarded 95 medals, including 18 Gold, 37 Silver, and 40 Bronze Medals.
Continuing PGIMER’s rich academic traditions, the convocation ceremony was marked by dignity and heritage, with graduating students adorned in traditional academic attire and ethnic wear, symbolising excellence, culture, and institutional pride.
The event was attended by distinguished dignitaries, professor emeritus, former directors, resident doctors, faculty members, department heads, key functionaries, and families of graduating students. The ceremony concluded with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics).
The 39th Convocation concluded on a note of pride, inspiration, and optimism, reaffirming PGIMER’s enduring commitment to nation-building through excellence in healthcare, education, innovation, and service to humanity.
