AIIMS Gorakhpur Hosts First Convocation, President Murmu Graces Event

In a landmark moment for medical education in eastern India, AIIMS Gorakhpur celebrated its first-ever Convocation Ceremony with grandeur and national pride. The event, held at the institute’s campus, was graced by Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, as the Chief Guest. Her presence marked the ceremony not only as a significant institutional milestone but also as a symbol of the region’s transformation into a hub of advanced healthcare and medical excellence.

Other dignitaries who attended the event included Smt. Anandiben Patel, Governor of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare; and Shri Ravi Kishan, Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur. Senior officials, academic faculty, students, and families were present in large numbers to witness this historic moment.

President Murmu: AIIMS Gorakhpur a Beacon of Healthcare Excellence

In her keynote address, President Droupadi Murmu lauded AIIMS Gorakhpur for emerging as a center of excellence for tertiary care not only in Purvanchal but also for eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and even parts of Nepal. Highlighting the institute’s meteoric rise, she described it as a “harmonious blend of service, compassion, and scientific spirit.”

She emphasized that AIIMS institutions across the country have become synonymous with innovation, service, and quality in healthcare. AIIMS Gorakhpur, she said, is a proud torchbearer of that legacy.

President Murmu praised the role of doctors as nation-builders, stating, “They not only alleviate pain but also contribute to building a healthier society.” She encouraged graduating students to adopt modern technologies like Telemedicine, AI in Diagnostics, Robotic Surgery, and Wearable Health Tech, which are revolutionizing healthcare delivery.

Commending the sacrifice and perseverance of the students and their families, she reminded them that medical service is a noble avenue of nation-building, not just a profession. She also recognized India’s growing global reputation in medical tourism, citing affordable and quality healthcare as a major draw for international patients.

Tribute to Founding Values and Regional Transformation

Governor Anandiben Patel, in her speech, underlined the emotional and national significance of AIIMS Gorakhpur’s foundation, acknowledging the farmers who donated their land for the establishment of the institute. She urged students to uphold values of empathy, integrity, and service, using their education for transformative impact in society.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called the event a “historic moment for Purvanchal,” highlighting how the region has evolved from being epidemic-prone, especially to diseases like Japanese Encephalitis, to now hosting premier medical institutions. He emphasized the rapid expansion of tertiary care facilities in districts such as Jaunpur, Siddharthnagar, and others, signifying a new era in public health for the region.

Union Minister Anupriya Patel: From 7 to 23 AIIMS Institutes

Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, reflected on the exponential growth of the AIIMS network, noting the government’s expansion from 7 AIIMS in 2014 to 23 today. She described AIIMS Gorakhpur as a shining example of how newer institutions can deliver both world-class healthcare and higher medical education within a short span.

She also drew attention to the National Health Policy, which now encompasses a comprehensive and integrated approach to healthcare, including Preventive, Promotive, Curative, Palliative, and Rehabilitative care. This approach, she said, is essential for building a sustainable and inclusive healthcare system.

Honouring Excellence: Degrees and Medals Conferred

In a proud moment for the institute, 61 students from the first graduating batch received their degrees during the convocation. This included:

• 48 MBBS graduates

• 8 MSc Medical graduates

• 5 MSc Nursing graduates

The President of India conferred gold medals upon eight outstanding students, recognizing their academic excellence. These included:

• 6 MBBS students

• 1 MSc Medical student

• 1 MSc Nursing student

The first-ever convocation souvenir of AIIMS Gorakhpur was released by the Hon’ble Governor, with the first copy presented to President Murmu as a token of appreciation and remembrance.

Vision and Future Aspirations

Delivering closing remarks, Maj Gen Dr. Vibha Dutta (SM), Executive Director of AIIMS Gorakhpur, along with Shri Desh Deepak Verma, President of the institute, reaffirmed AIIMS Gorakhpur’s commitment to academic excellence, ethical practice, and public service.

They emphasized future goals such as:

• Expansion of postgraduate and superspecialty programs

• Establishment of research centres focused on regional health issues

• Partnerships with global institutions to boost collaborative research and innovation

With this convocation, AIIMS Gorakhpur not only celebrates its academic journey but also establishes itself as a pillar of regional healthcare transformation and national medical advancement.