Rishikesh, April 23 (IANS) Vice-President (V-P) C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday chaired the sixth convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, highlighting that the new AIIMS set up over the last decade have strengthened access to healthcare and medical education.

The Vice-President emphasised that healthcare is a public trust and that medical professionals play a vital role in nation-building.

He urged the young graduates to contribute through preventive care, rural outreach, research, and innovation, and to remain guided by the values of empathy, integrity, and service.

Highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of Rishikesh as a global centre of reflection and healing, and a gateway to the Himalayas, V-P Radhakrishnan noted that such a setting adds deeper meaning to the solemnity of the convocation ceremony.

He said that a convocation marks not only the culmination of years of disciplined effort and sacrifice but also the beginning of a greater responsibility towards society and the nation.

He urged the graduates to embrace their professional duties with dedication and a sense of purpose.

Reflecting on the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Vice-President added that India demonstrated resilience, innovation, and commitment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He highlighted India’s large-scale vaccination drive, noting that more than 140 crore citizens received free vaccines, ensuring equitable access to healthcare, especially in underserved regions.

He emphasised that Indian scientists developed vaccines not for profit, but for the welfare of humanity.

The Vice-President also underlined India’s global responsibility through its ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative, under which vaccines were supplied to more than 100 countries.

He said this initiative reflected the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family) and reinforced India’s role as a compassionate and responsible global partner.

Highlighting the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, he remarked that good governance lies in understanding and serving the needs of the people.

Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (retired), Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel, AIIMS Rishikesh President Raj Bahadur, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

–IANS

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