President Droupadi Murmu attended the first-ever convocation ceremony of AIIMS Kalyani on Wednesday, addressing graduating medical students and faculty with a message of service, responsibility, and continued learning.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted the crucial role doctors play in nation-building, noting that India’s average life expectancy has more than doubled—from 32 years at independence to around 70 years today. She credited the medical fraternity for the country’s significant progress in areas such as vaccination and disease eradication, including the elimination of trachoma.
However, she cautioned that challenges remain, particularly in combating lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, heart ailments, and obesity. “Doctors have a greater role than even the government in controlling these health issues,” she said.
Congratulating the inaugural batch of graduates, the President emphasized their unique responsibility as the first alumni of AIIMS Kalyani. “You are not just graduates; you are the foundation and the future identity of this institution,” she remarked.
Urging the students to remain lifelong learners, she stressed the importance of staying abreast with advancements in medical science, given the rapid pace of research and innovation in the field.
President Murmu also recalled the legacy of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who laid the foundation of the city of Kalyani and continued to serve patients free of charge during his tenure as West Bengal’s Chief Minister. She encouraged AIIMS Kalyani to follow in his footsteps by becoming an Institute of National Pride and extending care to the underprivileged.
She also called on doctors to set an example through their own lifestyle and behavior, stating that preventive healthcare starts with proper diet and routine. “Advice from a doctor has a powerful influence—but when a doctor lives by that advice, the impact is even stronger,” she said.