689 Degrees Awarded to Graduates; Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan Says Strong Political Will, Security Policy and Development Have Ended the Naxal Threat
Published on: September 06, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan attended the third convocation ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, and said the occasion was not merely a celebration of academic achievement but also a moment to recognise the responsibilities that come with becoming a medical professional.
“Today, young people are receiving degrees, and tomorrow they will be entrusted with an even more valuable responsibility — the health, trust and lives of the people of India,” he said.
A total of 689 degree certificates were distributed during the convocation, including degrees awarded to 376 women and 313 men. The Vice President also presented gold medals and certificates to meritorious students.
AIIMS Raipur Reflects Chhattisgarh’s Changing Landscape
Vice President Radhakrishnan said that since its establishment in 2012, AIIMS Raipur has played an important role in reducing regional disparities in healthcare, medical education and research across central India.
In a relatively short period, he said, the institution has established itself as a major tertiary healthcare centre for Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states while extending quality medical services to rural and tribal communities.
He said the growth of AIIMS Raipur reflects the significant transformation taking place in Chhattisgarh.
Recalling the challenges that had persisted for decades in parts of the state, Radhakrishnan said difficult geographical conditions, poor connectivity and Left-Wing Extremism had created serious obstacles to development.
In several remote and tribal areas, fear and violence had hindered the development of roads, schools and hospitals, leaving communities facing distance and shortages in accessing essential services.
Chhattisgarh Moving Towards a New Era of Development
The Vice President said Chhattisgarh was now emerging from the darkness of its past and moving towards a new era of prosperity, development and progress.
He attributed the transformation to the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the strategic resolve of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the committed leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
According to him, the Naxal threat that had continued for decades has come to an end, while areas once known for violence are increasingly being associated with roads, schools, hospitals, road connectivity, investment and opportunities.
He described the transformation as a powerful example of the impact that can be achieved through strong political will, a firm security policy and development-oriented governance.
Advanced Healthcare Becoming Increasingly Accessible
Radhakrishnan described AIIMS Raipur as one of the finest symbols of the new Chhattisgarh, moving from an era of fear and deprivation towards peace, progress and opportunity.
He also appreciated the institute’s achievements in advanced healthcare and transplantation.
The Vice President highlighted Chhattisgarh’s first kidney transplant, the institution’s success rate of more than 95 per cent in kidney transplantation, corneal transplantation and ear transplantation as significant achievements demonstrating the growing accessibility of advanced medical care in the region.
He also described the approval of a heart transplantation programme as another important milestone.
Women’s Participation in Higher Education Rises Significantly
Emphasising the importance of balanced development in achieving the national vision of a developed India, the Vice President said the vision could be realised only when every state, district and village progresses.
He said access to higher education remains a fundamental pillar of the vision of a developed India.
Highlighting the expansion of higher education over the past 12 years, Radhakrishnan also pointed to the significant rise in women’s participation.
According to the figures cited by him, female enrolment in higher education increased from 1.57 crore in 2014–15 to 2.24 crore in 2023–24, representing a growth of 42.2 per cent.
‘Let Your Knowledge Heal, Research Innovate and Service Inspire’
Addressing the graduating students, Vice President Radhakrishnan urged young doctors to firmly say no to drugs and contribute towards building an India where technology reaches every citizen and every young Indian can aspire to a better future.
He called upon the graduates to ensure that their knowledge contributes to healthcare, their research drives innovation and their service becomes a source of inspiration.
The Vice President wished AIIMS Raipur continued success in clinical excellence, scientific innovation, public health and compassionate service.
He also expressed hope that Chhattisgarh’s transformation would become an important chapter in the journey towards a developed India by 2047.
Governor Ramen Deka Emphasises Compassion and Ethical Values
Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka said medical education was not limited to knowledge and skills, but also required patience, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility.
He said the true purpose of medicine was to serve humanity and that the excellence of a doctor should be measured not only by professional competence but also by the manner in which patients are treated, including trust and respect.
The Governor congratulated all graduating students on their achievement and wished them a bright, successful and fulfilling future.
He also urged the newly graduated doctors to contribute to the development of healthcare services, promote innovation and participate in medical research.
AIIMS Raipur’s Growing Reputation a Matter of Pride
Governor Deka said AIIMS Raipur has been playing an important role in strengthening the region’s healthcare system through its academic programmes, specialised medical services and research initiatives.
He described the institution’s growing reputation as a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh and said it reflected the commitment to excellence of its faculty, medical experts and entire team.
He encouraged students to combine medical expertise with scientific curiosity and research-oriented thinking and develop innovative solutions in response to the health needs of society.
Anupriya Patel Calls for Excellence with Compassion and Ethics
Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel also congratulated the graduating students.
Referring to national healthcare initiatives including Ayushman Bharat, PM-JAY, ABHA and e-Sanjeevani, she called upon young doctors to give priority to medical excellence along with compassion, ethics, preventive healthcare, research and social service.
AIIMS Raipur Reaffirms Commitment to High Standards
AIIMS Raipur Executive Director Lieutenant General Ashok Jindal (Retired) highlighted the institution’s progress and achievements.
He reiterated AIIMS Raipur’s commitment to maintaining high standards in medical education, research, innovation and patient-centred healthcare services.
He called upon the graduating students to use their knowledge and professional skills in the service of society and the nation.
16 Students Recognised for Academic Excellence
A major highlight of the convocation was the distribution of 689 degree certificates to students who successfully completed various medical and health sciences programmes.
As many as 16 awards were also presented to students who demonstrated outstanding academic performance.
The occasion marked a moment of pride and happiness for the students, their families, teachers and the entire AIIMS Raipur community.
Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal and Raipur Lok Sabha MP Brijmohan Agrawal attended the ceremony as special guests.
AIIMS Raipur Chairman Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Handa and Executive Director Retired Lieutenant General Ashok Jindal were also present.
The convocation concluded with students taking the ‘Say No to Drugs’ pledge, reinforcing the call made to the young medical graduates to contribute to a healthier society.
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