Addressing the graduating students, President Murmu hailed AIIMS New Delhi as a benchmark institution in medical education, healthcare, and research, describing it as a "living laboratory of the Gita’s Karmayoga." She urged the young doctors and researchers to dedicate themselves to strengthening the healthcare system and serving the nation with sincerity and commitment.

The 49th Annual Convocation Ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, was held today in the presence of the Hon’ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda.

Calling AIIMS a “Made-in-India success story,” President Murmu highlighted its pivotal role during global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and its continued contribution to pathbreaking medical research. She noted that the institute’s responsibilities extend beyond healthcare delivery and education, emphasizing the need for judicious resource utilization and fostering a culture where every voice is heard and excellence is the standard.

The President also drew attention to emerging healthcare challenges, including the rise in age-related illnesses due to increasing life expectancy and lifestyle diseases triggered by modern living. She called on AIIMS faculty and students to launch a nationwide mental health awareness campaign, describing mental health as a hidden but significant public health concern.

President Murmu emphasized the importance of blending modern medicine with India’s ancient systems such as Ayurveda and yoga, applauding AIIMS for integrating traditional healing practices with cutting-edge science. She also called for gender equality in healthcare protocols, noting that heart ailments and several other diseases are often more recognized and treated in men than in women.

In her concluding remarks, the President congratulated students and their families, acknowledging their sacrifice, dedication, and hard work.

Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda also addressed the gathering, praising AIIMS New Delhi for its continuous commitment to learning, innovation, and excellence, which has helped the institute top the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings in the medical category since 2018.

Highlighting AIIMS’ recent achievements, Shri Nadda pointed out the institute’s leadership in AI-driven diagnostics and robotic surgery training. He also applauded AIIMS for pioneering procedures like dual kidney transplants and renal auto-transplants, and for managing over 900 extramural research projects with significant funding support. He noted AIIMS’ consistent first-place ranking in the Kayakalp Awards, recognizing its efforts to maintain high standards in sanitation and cleanliness.

Encouraging the graduating students, Shri Nadda urged them to apply their expertise toward improving healthcare delivery across the country. He called on them to uphold AIIMS’ culture of ethics, empathy, and service wherever they practice, including the newly established AIIMS and other tertiary care centers across India. "Your education has not only equipped you with knowledge and skill but has also instilled in you the values that will help you navigate the complexities of the medical profession," he said.

He further encouraged the students to embrace innovation and collaboration, stressing that advancements in medical science require interdisciplinary partnerships and a commitment to lifelong learning.

During the convocation ceremony, 1,886 degrees were conferred across various disciplines, including 77 Ph.D. degrees, 363 DM/MCh specializations, 572 MDs, 76 MSs, 49 MDSs, 74 fellowships, 172 MSc degrees, 191 MBBS degrees, and 312 BSc degrees. Eight doctors were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for their outstanding service at AIIMS. Additionally, 28 students and doctors received medals and book prizes, and nine were given appreciation awards.