Nagpur: It was an atmosphere of joy and pride as the first batch of 50 students of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) took oath of professionalism and dedication during the induction and orientation programme on Tuesday.
The students from across the country were delighted and thrilled, yet nervous considering the long journey which will finally make them specialists in various medical fields few years down the line to serve.
The programme organized at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) had the students take the first step towards their dreams. They vouched to put in their best efforts to reach the heights they dreamt of.
One student, who preferred to leave his engineering admission over medicine, was overwhelmed to hear that medical education made a person more skilled than an engineer. He said he would be able to serve a much bigger section of society by being a doctor than an engineer.
Another student said that being in AIIMS was a matter of pride as it brought people from different states, religions, economic and social background together which will help them grow as better individuals.
A student from an eastern state was very clear about making medical research as one of his goals. He said AIIMS was the only medical college which provided this unique opportunity. One of them plans to use advancements in technology to overcome the miseries of people. Another student said that she was prepared to face the challenges as nothing ever can be achieved in a cushioned environment.
Earlier, deputy director (administration) of AIIMS Lt Col Manoj Kumar told the students, parents and the faculty about the vision of AIIMS, the duties and rights. He also apprised them about the present status of various constructions of buildings like OPD, hostels etc on the premises of Multi-modal International Hub Airport at Nagpur (Mihan).
Dr Abhimanyu Niswade, GMCH dean, in his address told the students to acquire the best possible skills of a doctor. Knowledge, he said, was necessary for the development of every individual, but skills actually help the doctors survive in their profession. He advised the students to follow a disciplined and honest life.
Dr Mrunal Phatak, the officiating dean (academics), made an overall presentation about the syllabus, examinations, subjects etc for the students. She insisted that every student in AIIMS was expected to be a part of medical research in all possible forms.
Dr Pradeep Deshmukh, head of community medicine, Dr Seema Garg, head of biochemistry and chairperson of grievance committee, and Dr AM Tarnekar, head of anatomy and chairman of anti-ragging committee, interacted with the students.
They told students to follow a disciplined life on the hostel and in college premises, be cordial to GMCH students and share the facilities with them without any apprehensions. Dr Vinu Vij compeered the programme.
