**Executive Summary**
On April 13, 2026, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, addressed the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rajkot, marking the graduation of its inaugural medical batch. The address emphasized the importance of ethical practice, the integration of technology with human compassion, and the need to address regional health challenges. The President highlighted accessible healthcare as a vital pillar for achieving the "Viksit Bharat by 2047" vision.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Ethical Standards and Professionalism**
* Medicine is characterized as a commitment to humanity rather than just a profession, requiring scientific knowledge combined with sensitivity and humility.
* The "white coat" is presented as a symbol of public trust; graduates are urged to uphold this through empathy and integrity.
* As the first batch, graduates are designated as "brand ambassadors" whose conduct will define the institution's future reputation.
**Technological Advancement and the "Human Touch"**
* Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, precision medicine, and digital health services are acknowledged as transformative forces in healthcare.
* While embracing innovation, practitioners must retain human compassion, which the President noted can never be replaced by technology.
**Public Health and Regional Priorities**
* There is a specific call to address region-specific health challenges, including maternal and child health and genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia.
* AIIMS institutions are tasked with providing affordable, world-class tertiary healthcare while advancing medical research and education.
**Institutional Governance and National Vision**
* The long-term success of AIIMS Rajkot is dependent on maintaining a clear vision, good governance, and transparency.
* Accessible, quality healthcare is identified as a critical requirement for India’s goal of becoming "Viksit Bharat" (a developed nation) by 2047.
* Collaboration among all stakeholders and premier institutions is essential to set new benchmarks in equitable healthcare.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Graduating Medical Students (Inaugural Batch)**
**Impact**
As the first graduates, they are responsible for establishing the professional and ethical standards of AIIMS Rajkot. They are expected to balance modern technology with traditional values of service.
**Action Required**
Uphold ethical values in practice, embrace innovation, and serve with dedication to address both general and region-specific health issues.
**Stakeholder: AIIMS Rajkot Administration**
**Impact**
The institution is positioned as a young, evolving entity that must play a vital role in advancing equitable healthcare and medical research.
**Action Required**
Implement a clear vision and ensure transparency and good governance to facilitate long-term institutional success and high standards in medical education.
**Stakeholder: Government of India / Healthcare Stakeholders**
**Impact**
The government is identified as the driver of the "Viksit Bharat by 2047" vision, where healthcare serves as a foundational pillar for national development.
**Action Required**
Continue to take steps toward accessible healthcare and foster collaboration among premier institutions to meet national health goals.
Key Entities Referenced
AIIMS Rajkot: The premier medical institution that marked its first convocation ceremony, representing a significant milestone in advancing tertiary healthcare and medical education in the region.
Smt. Droupadi Murmu: The President of India who addressed the graduating medical students, emphasizing the integration of ethical values, innovation, and compassion in healthcare practice.
Viksit Bharat by 2047: India's strategic vision for a developed nation, within which accessible and quality healthcare is identified as a critical pillar for national growth.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Addresses First
Convocation Ceremony of AIIMS Rajkot
Medicine is not just a profession, it is a commitment to the
service of humanity: Smt. Droupadi Murmu
“The white coat you wear symbolizes the trust that people
place in doctors during times of illness and uncertainty”,
President urges students to uphold trust, compassion and
ethics in their practice
Highlights need to address region-specific health challenges,
including maternal and child health, and genetic disorders
such as sickle cell anemia
President encourages students to embrace innovation while
retaining the human touch, noting that “human compassion in
medicine can never be replaced
“Healthcare critical to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047”
Posted On: 13 APR 2026 7:18PM by PIB Delhi
President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu addressed the first convocation ceremony of the All India
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot today, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s
journey as it graduated its inaugural batch of medical students. Union Minister of State for Health and
Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel was also present.Congratulating the graduating students, the President described the occasion as a moment of pride not
only for the students but also for all those associated with the establishment of the institution. “You are the
first batch graduating from this institution. In that sense, you are the first brand ambassadors of AIIMS
Rajkot. Your work and conduct will shape the reputation of this institution”, she said.
Highlighting the rich cultural and historical significance of the Saurashtra region, the President noted its
association with sacred sites and the life of Mahatma Gandhi. She called upon all stakeholders of AIIMS
Rajkot to work in the spirit of service and public welfare, guided by the ideals of duty and compassion.
Emphasizing the noble nature of the medical profession, the President said, “Medicine is not just a
profession, it is a commitment to the service of humanity. This profession requires not only scientific
knowledge but also sensitivity, patience and humility.” She urged the graduating students to uphold
empathy, patience, and humility in their practice, adding that “the white coat you wear symbolizes the
trust that people place in doctors during times of illness and uncertainty.”
The President underscored the important role played by AIIMS institutions in providing affordable, world-
class tertiary healthcare, and in advancing medical education, research, and public health. She expressed
satisfaction that AIIMS graduates are contributing to healthcare leadership both in India and abroad,
reflecting the high standards of these institutions.Referring to AIIMS Rajkot as a young and evolving institution, the President stressed the importance of a
clear vision, good governance, and transparency in ensuring its long-term success. She also highlighted
the need to address region-specific health challenges, including maternal and child health and genetic
disorders such as sickle cell anemia.
Acknowledging the rapid technological advancements in healthcare, the President said, “Artificial
Intelligence, robotics, precision medicine and digital health services are transforming the nature and
possibilities of healthcare.” She encouraged students to embrace innovation while retaining the human
touch, noting that “human compassion in medicine can never be replaced.” Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the
President reminded the graduates of the value of service: “Now that you have the opportunity to render
service, pour your soul into it and learn to enjoy it thoroughly.”
The President also highlighted the importance of ethical values in medical practice, stating that while
being a good doctor is important, being guided by compassion, integrity, and altruism is even more
essential.
In the context of India’s goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047, the President emphasized that accessible
and quality healthcare is a critical pillar. She noted that the Government of India has taken several steps in
this direction and called for continued collaboration among all stakeholders, including premier institutions
like AIIMS.
Expressing confidence in the future of AIIMS Rajkot, the President said that the institution would play a
vital role in advancing equitable healthcare and setting new benchmarks in medical education and
research.Concluding her address, the President extended her best wishes to the graduating students, urging them to
serve with dedication, lead with integrity, and uphold the noble ideals of the medical profession.
***
SR
HFW- President AIIMS Rajkot Convocation Address/13th April 2026/3
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