Lucknow: The 21st Convocation Ceremony of King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, was held with great dignity under the chairmanship of Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor of the University, Anandiben Patel. Degrees and medals were conferred upon graduating students, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional journeys.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Anandiben Patel emphasised that the true fulfilment of medical education lies in compassion, sensitivity and a spirit of service devoted to the welfare of humanity. She said that empathy towards patients, responsibility towards society and a sense of duty towards the nation define the real identity of a doctor. “A doctor does not only provide medicine but also gives hope and strength, which can change the course of a patient’s life,” she said.
The Governor expressed happiness over the increasing number of female students receiving degrees and medals at convocation ceremonies of state universities, calling it a positive sign of women empowerment. Congratulating all graduates, she urged them to pursue excellence with honesty, dedication and service-mindedness.
She described KGMU as one of the country’s most prestigious and historic medical institutions, which has consistently contributed to national and global healthcare through its alumni. She encouraged young doctors to balance scientific expertise with human values, stating that when science is guided by humanity, medical practice truly becomes life-saving service and a valuable contribution to the nation.
Governor Patel highlighted the Government of India’s focus on healthcare and medical education, referring to budgetary provisions for expanding medical seats, strengthening health infrastructure and promoting research. She also stressed the need to further strengthen HPV vaccination for girls through budgetary support to ensure timely protection against cervical cancer for every girl child.
She noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the vision of a “Healthy India” has transformed into a mass movement through initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Fit India, TB eradication programmes and expansion of healthcare services to the last mile.
During the ceremony, all university degrees were uploaded on DigiLocker. Students from schools in villages adopted by the university presented programmes on environmental protection, which were appreciated by the Governor. Winners of competitions organised in adopted villages were also awarded, and books were donated to school libraries on behalf of the Raj Bhavan.
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda, the chief guest, congratulated the graduating students and urged them to make service to humanity their primary goal. He said that under Governor Anandiben Patel’s guidance, Uttar Pradesh has made notable progress in higher and medical education. He praised KGMU’s legacy and said its students and faculty continue to bring laurels to the country.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak congratulated students on entering a new phase of life and called upon them to face future challenges with patience, commitment and compassion. He highlighted improvements in medical education and healthcare services in Uttar Pradesh.
On the occasion, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, was conferred the honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree. Vice Chancellor Padma Shri Prof. Soniya Nityanand presented a brief progress report of the university.
Several dignitaries, faculty members, students, schoolchildren and invited guests were present, making the convocation ceremony a memorable celebration of academic achievement, service and human values.
