- The threat of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh has been eliminated through strong political will, a firm security policy, and development-oriented governance – Vice President Shri Radhakrishnan
- Chhattisgarh is moving from the darkness of the past towards a new era of development and progress – Vice President
- Young doctors should embrace compassion and ethical values alongside knowledge – Governor Shri Ramen Deka
- 376 women and 313 men received degrees at the AIIMS Raipur convocation ceremony
Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan attended the third convocation ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, stating that this event is not merely a moment of celebration but also an occasion of responsibility. He remarked, “The degrees being awarded to the youth today will be followed tomorrow by the entrustment of a far more valuable responsibility—the health, trust, and lives of the people of India.” At the AIIMS Raipur convocation, degrees were conferred upon 376 women and 313 men. The Vice President also presented gold medals and certificates to meritorious students.
- The growth of AIIMS Raipur reflects the remarkable transformation taking place in Chhattisgarh
The Vice President noted that since its establishment in 2012, AIIMS Raipur has played a significant role in reducing regional disparities regarding healthcare services, medical education, and research in Central India. He stated that in a remarkably short span, the institute has established itself as a premier tertiary healthcare center for Chhattisgarh and neighboring states, extending quality medical services to rural and tribal communities. He added that the growth of AIIMS Raipur mirrors the significant transformation occurring in Chhattisgarh.
Referring to the challenges that persisted for decades in certain parts of Chhattisgarh, Shri Radhakrishnan mentioned that difficult geographical terrain, poor connectivity, and Left-Wing Extremism had posed serious obstacles to development. In many remote and tribal areas, fear and violence had hindered the development of roads, schools, and hospitals, forcing communities to grapple with distance and deprivation in accessing essential services.
- Chhattisgarh Advancing Towards a New Era of Prosperity, Development, and Progress
In his address, the Vice President further stated that Chhattisgarh is emerging from the darkness of its past and advancing towards a new era of prosperity, development, and progress. He attributed this transformation to the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the strategic resolve of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, and the committed leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. The decades-long Naxalite threat has come to an end; areas once known for violence are now recognized for roads, schools, hospitals, connectivity, investment, and opportunities. He remarked that this transformation serves as a powerful example of the profound change that can be brought about through strong political will, a firm security policy, and development-oriented governance.
- Advanced Medical Care Becoming Rapidly Accessible
The Vice President described AIIMS Raipur as a prime symbol of the ‘New Chhattisgarh’—a state transitioning from an era of fear and deprivation to one of peace, progress, and possibilities. He also commended the institute’s achievements in advanced healthcare and transplantation. He highlighted significant milestones such as the first kidney transplant in Chhattisgarh, a success rate exceeding 95 percent in kidney transplants, as well as corneal and ear transplants, noting how rapidly advanced medical care is becoming accessible in the region. He added that the approval of a heart transplant program marks yet another significant achievement.
- Remarkable Increase in Women’s Participation in Higher Education
Emphasizing the importance of balanced development in achieving the national vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), the Vice President stated that this vision can only be realized through the development of every state, district, and village. He noted that access to higher education forms the cornerstone of the vision for a developed India. He also highlighted the expansion of higher education over the past twelve years. Highlighting the significant rise in women’s participation in higher education, he noted that female enrollment increased from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24, marking a growth of 42.2 percent.
- Chhattisgarh’s transformation will mark a significant chapter in the journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047
Addressing the graduates, Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan urged the young graduates to firmly say ‘no’ to drugs and contribute to building an India where technology reaches every citizen and every young Indian can aspire to a better future. He expressed the hope that their knowledge would foster health, their research would drive innovation, and their service would inspire others. The Vice President wished AIIMS Raipur continued success in clinical excellence, scientific innovation, public health, and compassionate service. He also expressed optimism that Chhattisgarh’s transformation would serve as a crucial chapter in the nation’s journey towards becoming a developed India by 2047.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka stated that medical education is not limited merely to knowledge and skills; it also demands patience, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility. The true purpose of medicine is the service of humanity….is determined not merely by professional competence, but also by the conduct, trust, and respect shown towards patients. Extending heartfelt congratulations to all the graduating students on this significant achievement, the Governor wished them a bright, successful, and fulfilling future.
- Rising Reputation of AIIMS Raipur: A Matter of Pride for Chhattisgarh
The Governor called upon the newly graduated doctors to contribute to the development of healthcare services, foster innovation, and engage in medical research. She noted that the institute plays a pivotal role in strengthening the region’s healthcare system through its academic programs, specialized medical services, and research initiatives. The growing reputation of AIIMS Raipur is a source of pride for Chhattisgarh, reflecting the commitment to excellence demonstrated by the faculty, medical experts, and the entire team. She urged the students to combine their medical expertise with scientific curiosity and a research-oriented mindset, and to develop innovative solutions tailored to the healthcare needs of society.
Union Minister of State Smt. Anupriya Patel also congratulated the students. Highlighting national health initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, PM-JAY, ABHA, and e-Sanjeevani, she called upon the young doctors to prioritize compassion, ethics, preventive healthcare, research, and social service alongside medical excellence.
AIIMS Raipur Executive Director Lt. Gen. Ashok Jindal (Retd.) highlighted the institute’s progress and achievements, reiterating the commitment to maintaining high standards in medical education, research, innovation, and patient-centric healthcare services. He urged the graduating students to utilize their knowledge and professional skills in the service of society and the nation.
- Distribution of 689 Degrees; 16 Students Awarded for Academic Excellence
A key highlight of the convocation ceremony was the awarding of 689 degrees to students who had successfully completed various medical and health science courses. Additionally, 16 awards were presented to students for outstanding academic performance. It was a moment of pride and joy for the students, their families, the faculty, and the entire AIIMS Raipur community. Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education, and Shri Brijmohan Agrawal, MP from the Raipur Lok Sabha constituency, attended the ceremony as special guests; AIIMS Raipur President Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Handa and Executive Director (Retd.) Lt. Gen. Ashok Jindal were also present. During the convocation ceremony, a pledge to ‘Say No to Drugs’ was also administered.