President Murmu Addresses First Convocation of AIIMS Kalyani, Urges Young Doctors to Champion Preventive Healthcare
Kalyani (West Bengal), July 3l: President of India Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday addressed the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Kalyani, calling on graduating doctors to uphold the highest ideals of their profession and to become lifelong learners and role models in society.
Commending the contribution of doctors to India’s progress, the President said, “At the time of independence, the average life expectancy in India was just 32 years. Today, it has more than doubled to around 70. This remarkable achievement is largely due to the service and commitment of our medical professionals.” She highlighted India’s strides in public health, including its recent success in eliminating trachoma, while noting that modern lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart ailments, and obesity still pose critical challenges.
Addressing the graduating students, President Murmu said, “As the first batch of AIIMS Kalyani, you are the senior-most alumni of this institute. You carry the responsibility of shaping its identity and future.” She encouraged them to continuously upgrade their knowledge and stay attuned to evolving medical science and research.
Reflecting on the legacy of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, who laid the foundation stone for the planned city of Kalyani, the President urged students, teachers, and administrators to emulate his example of free service to the poor, and to strive to make AIIMS Kalyani an institute of national pride.
President Murmu also advised the young doctors to lead by personal example, especially in promoting healthy living. “Apart from prescribing medicines, advise patients on proper diet and lifestyle,” she said. “When a doctor adopts healthy habits and leads by example, it creates a deeper and more lasting impact on society.”
The convocation marks a historic milestone for AIIMS Kalyani as it continues its mission to provide world-class medical education and healthcare services in eastern India.
