6th Convocation Ceremony of AIIMS, Rishikesh

I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharat Mata – the Most Powerful and the Most Merciful.

On the occasion of the Sixth Convocation of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh, Dignitaries sharing the dais with me. Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen Gurmeet Singh Ji; Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami Ji; Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Smt. Anupriya Patel Ji; Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat Ji; Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Shri Naresh Bansal Ji; Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Shri Mahendra Bhatt Ji; President AIIMS, Rishikesh, Prof. Raj Bahadur Ji; Dean Academic, AIIMS, Rishikesh, Prof. Saurabh Ji; Executive Director, AIIMS Rishikesh, Prof. Meenu Singh Ji; other distinguished dignitaries.

I am happy to be here today in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, which is renowned for its spiritual heritage and natural beauty. This holy land of Rishikesh, known across the world as a gateway to the Himalayas and a center of reflection and healing, adds a deep sense of purpose to this occasion.

A convocation is a moment of transition, a moment of reflection, and above all, a moment of responsibility.  It marks the culmination of years of effort, discipline, and sacrifice. But it also marks the beginning of something far greater—the beginning of your professional duty to society and to the nation. To each one of you graduating today, I extend my heartiest congratulations.

A few years back, our Nation’s health infrastructure was put to test by the COVID pandemic. Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi Ji, the nation navigated the challenge with determination.  From large-scale vaccination drives to ensuring continuity in education and essential services, India demonstrated an ability to adapt, innovate, and safeguard its people during one of the most testing times in recent history.

One of the most remarkable aspects of India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was its commitment to equity and inclusion through the provision of free vaccines to all citizens. While other nations developed vaccine so that they can patent and profit out of the vaccine, Indian researchers developed the vaccine for the benefit of people. Over 140 crore Indians were given COVID vaccination free of cost. This massive initiative ensured that protection against the virus was not limited by economic means.

Extending its commitment beyond national boundaries, India emerged as a responsible global partner during the COVID-19 pandemic through its vaccine outreach initiative, Vaccine Maitri. India supplied vaccines to more than 100 countries, reinforcing the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. By supporting nations in need, particularly across the developing world, India not only strengthened global health security but also demonstrated leadership rooted in compassion, solidarity, and shared progress.

The expansion of quality healthcare infrastructure in India has been significantly strengthened through the establishment of new All India Institute of Medical Sciences institutions across the country in the last decade.  This initiative has aimed to make world-class medical education and advanced health care available in underserved regions.

AIIMS Rishikesh stands today as one of the finest examples of how a modern public medical institution can combine clinical excellence, academic strength, research culture, technological innovation, and social commitment.  In a state like Uttarakhand, where geography itself creates barriers, AIIMS Rishikesh has assumed a role much larger than that of a conventional hospital.  AIIMS Rishikesh has understood a truth that every great health-care system must understand: health-care cannot remain confined to the hospital campus. It must travel. It must cross mountains, distances, weather, and delays.  AIIMS Rishikesh has responded to this challenge with clarity and conviction. This is why the institute’s telemedicine work deserves special appreciation.

Another major achievement that deserves appreciation is Helicopter Emergency Medical Services. It can turn around an emergency situation.  The use of drones to deliver emergency medicines to pilgrims during the Chaar Dham Yatra and in remote areas of Uttarakhand is also commendable.  This is a compelling example of public health innovation because it solves a very old problem: how to ensure that the right medicine reaches the right place in time.

It is also a matter of satisfaction that AIIMS Rishikesh has consistently secured its place among the leading medical institutions of the country in the National Institutional Ranking Framework. In the NIRF 2025 rankings, AIIMS Rishikesh has been ranked 13th in the Medical category, reaffirming its standing among the top medical institutions in India.

This region is also witnessing rapid strides in modern infrastructure and connectivity. The recent opening of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi ji marks a significant step forward in reducing travel time, and strengthening regional development. Such initiatives reflect a broader national commitment to bridging distances—both physical and social and ensuring that progress reaches every corner of the country.

Under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami ji, there has also been focused efforts in strengthening infrastructure, promoting education, and enhancing health-care delivery. His emphasis on inclusive growth and responsive governance continues to inspire confidence and create opportunities, particularly for the youth. Such leadership plays a vital role in shaping a progressive and resilient society.

Dear Graduates, today, as you receive your degrees, you step into a world that looks to you with great expectation. Health care is a public trust. You are graduating at a time when the role of medical professionals extends beyond hospitals and clinics. You are participants in a larger national mission to build a healthier, more resilient India. Whether it is through preventive care, rural outreach, research, or innovation, your contributions will shape not only individual lives but the trajectory of our society.

At the same time, your journey must remain anchored in the timeless values of empathy, integrity, and service. In a country as vast and diverse as ours, the true measure of progress lies in how well we care for the most vulnerable. Let this convocation be a call to action. Contribute as responsible citizens committed to the ideals of equity, inclusiveness, and nation-building.

I also commend the parents and teachers whose unwavering support and dedication have shaped the journeys of these graduates. Parents have been the silent pillars of strength, making countless sacrifices and nurturing values that go beyond academic excellence. Teachers, with their tireless commitment, have imparted knowledge and skills essential in the noble profession of medicine. This milestone is as much a celebration of their guidance and belief as it is of the students’ hard work and achievements. I congratulate each one of the graduating students and wish them strength, wisdom, and compassion in the journey ahead.

My best wishes to you all.

• Jai Hind!
• Long Live Mother Bharat!

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