The air was thick with anticipation and excitement at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh as it hosted its 38th convocation — an event that marked not just the culmination of years of hard work for its graduates but also a beautiful celebration of Indian culture. This year's ceremony took a distinctive turn, with the premier Institute mandating an ethnic dress code that reflected India’s rich heritage, setting a tone of pride and tradition for the occasion.
As the graduates filed into the grand auditorium, a wave of cream-coloured pyjama-kurtas and elegantly draped sarees with golden borders swept across the hall. Male graduates looked dapper in their cream kurtas paired with polished brown formal shoes, while the female graduates dazzled in their intricately woven sarees, exuding grace and poise. This thoughtful choice of attire created a striking visual tapestry, reinforcing the idea that education in medicine is as much about cultural identity as it is about academic prowess.
And to differentiate graduates by their degrees, PGIMER implemented a colourful stole system that added vibrancy to the ceremony. Graduates receiving DM, MCh, or PhD degrees proudly wore striking yellow stoles, while those earning MD, MS, MPH, or MDS donned elegant purple ones. MSc candidates showcased their achievements with indigo blue stoles, and BSc graduates sported bottle green stoles. This vibrant array of colours not only highlighted the diverse academic accomplishments but also transformed the auditorium into a vivid tapestry of academic excellence, celebrating the individuality and dedication of each graduate.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Prof Vinod K Paul – a member of NITI Aayog, who served as the chief guest; and Padma Shree Prof Jagat Ram – the former Director of PGIMER, who was the guest of honour. They joined PGIMER’s director Prof Vivek Lal; Dean (Academics) Prof RK Ratho; and Prof In-charge (Academic Section) Prof Ashutosh N Aggarwal on the dais.
As the ceremony commenced, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. A total of 1,547 graduates were conferred their degrees, while 107 outstanding students were honoured with medals for their academic brilliance. The applause was thunderous as each name was called, marking a moment of triumph for both the graduates and their families.
In his convocation address, Prof Paul delivered an inspiring message, urging the graduates to prioritize the nation over self. “Let us rededicate ourselves to Mother India,” he implored, calling for their participation in the vision of Viksit Bharat-2047. His words resonated with the audience, echoing the sentiment that their hard-earned knowledge should serve not just personal aspirations but also the greater good of society.
Prof Paul’s heartfelt reflections on his student days in Chandigarh added a personal touch to his address. He reminisced about walking past PGIMER, witnessing the dedication of the doctors, and wondering if he would ever be associated with such a prestigious institution.
“PGI holds a special place in my heart. As a student at DAV College, I would walk from my hostel in Sector-15 to the College in Sector-10, passing by PGI and witnessing doctors coming in and out of this esteemed institution. I often wondered if I would ever have the privilege of being associated with such a prestigious place…Today, I stand here, filled with gratitude and hope for your future,” he said, his voice steady with emotion.
Prof Vivek Lal, taking the stage to share the achievements of PGIMER, said: “PGI isn’t just a medical institute; it’s the modern-day Nalanda and Takshashila.” He emphasized the institution’s standing among the elite medical schools globally. His words were a testament to PGIMER’s commitment to nurturing not just healthcare professionals but also leaders in the field of medicine.
A poignant moment came when Prof. Lal highlighted PGIMER’s dedication to equitable healthcare. “Our commitment to patient care is unmatched,” he asserted, referring to the institution’s efforts under the Ayushman scheme, which has enabled the delivery of world-class medical services to all, irrespective of their economic status. He celebrated the free renal transplants conducted under the scheme, showcasing PGIMER’s role in making healthcare accessible.
As the ceremony concluded, the graduates left the stage, their faces beaming with pride and anticipation for the future. They carried with them not only their degrees but also a deeper understanding of their responsibility to serve humanity. This convocation was not just a celebration of academic milestones; it was a reminder of the cultural roots that ground these future leaders and the dedication they must uphold in their professional journeys.
The 38th convocation of PGIMER will undoubtedly be remembered as a momentous occasion where education, culture, and social responsibility intertwined, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. As the graduates step into the world of medicine, they do so not only with their degrees but with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference.
