THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Deoghar, July 31: When President Droupadi Murmu addressed the inaugural convocation of AIIMS, Deoghar on Thursday, her message was clear and compelling: being a remarkable doctor demands more than clinical acumen—it requires empathy, humanity and a broader societal purpose.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy: From Governor to President
Reflecting on her deep personal connection with AIIMS Deoghar, President Murmu recalled laying the foundation stone in her capacity as Governor of Jharkhand on May 25, 2018. That moment, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Sindri, marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the region. She hailed the emerging culture of excellence at AIIMS and congratulated faculty and students alike for their shared achievements.
The Healing Touch: Empathy in Practice
President Murmu emphasised that modern doctors must transcend textbook knowledge. “Advice given with kindness heals as much as treatment,” she observed. Her personal words struck a chord, urging the medical graduates to deliver care that soothes not just symptoms, but fears and anxieties as well.
Medicine as Social Service
Doctors, she said, hold the power to bring light into countless lives. In addition to practising medicine, they must contribute to social development. Adopting villages, strengthening primary health care, and reducing preventable conditions such as infant mortality, anaemia and thalassemia—these, she suggested, are vital ways doctors can serve beyond hospital walls.
Narrowing the Rural-Urban Divide
At present, AIIMS Deoghar has adopted five tribal villages. The President called on the institute to extend this reach. Focusing on underserved communities, especially tribal populations grappling with cervical cancer and high rates of anaemia, could dramatically improve health outcomes. Expanding this model would further embody the maxim: “Health is Wealth.”
Celebrating Equal Achievement
President Murmu proudly noted that, for the first time at Deoghar AIIMS, as many girls earned degrees and medals as boys. Admission and academic excellence, she said, mark the making of skilled professionals—but equally important is compassionate communication. Some doctors are blessed with the ability to put patients’ families at ease through soft, respectful consultation.
Foundations of Well-being: Primary Health Sector Focus
She urged the new graduates to engage proactively with the primary health care system. Reaching out to Urban–Rural Health Community Centres and field rotations isn’t optional—it’s essential. Working at the grassroots level, understanding local health needs and building trust with communities should be priorities for emerging practitioners.
Frugality in Care: Minimising Medication Costs
Murmu encouraged doctors to advocate for cost-conscious care. “There should be minimum expenditure on medicines,” she said, underscoring the role of AIIMS in achieving national health goals. Judicious prescription, preventive care, and early diagnosis can save lives and reduce financial burdens on patients.
Commending Excellence: Medal Winners & Degrees
The President presented medals to outstanding students:
- Gold Medal: Dr Asmit Agarwal
- Silver Medal: Dr Tanishq Kumar
- Bronze Medal: Dr Harshveer Kaur
She also honoured Dr Richa Jaiswal for the highest attendance in the MBBS batch of 2019 and awarded degrees to Dr Anjani Kumari, Dr Gautam Shankar, Dr Sumita Sinha, Dr Shiksha Singh and Dr Om Shankar, among the 48 graduates.
Building Compassionate Doctors for a Stronger Society
Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, in his welcome address, reflected on President Murmu’s journey in Jharkhand: her humility, compassion and commitment. He urged graduates to view their white coats not just as uniforms, but as symbols of trust and service. Health, he said, interlinks with dignity, development and national unity under the banner of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.”
As the ceremony concluded, the overarching message was clear: medicine is not merely a profession; it is a calling. Armed with knowledge, driven by empathy, and anchored in service, these new doctors are poised to shine not only in hospitals but within the very fabric of Indian society.
