KOCHI: The National Medical Commission’s decision to update its logo by replacing the national emblem with an image of Hindu god Dhanvantari has earned the wrath of medical students and professionals in the state. Many students believe the move is part of an ongoing attempt to saffronise the education sector. They also expressed displeasure at replacing ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in the logo.
Anandhu, an MBBS student at Calicut Medical College, said it is an ongoing process. “Last year NMC had recommended replacing the Hippocratic Oath with another oath which is regressive and anti women,” said Anandhu.
Krishnakanth A R, a student at Ernakulam Medical College, said: “The change in the logo can only be seen as a gradual process by the Sangh Parivar to saffronize the education sector .”
Calicut Medical College SFI unit secretary Pranav R Palliyath said the logo goes against the secular and progressive principles of medicine. “We also condemn the irrational act of changing the name India to Bharat,” said Palliyath.
Dr George M Srampickal, an orthopaedic surgeon in Alappuzha, said the addition of religion and politics to a noble profession like medicine can have grave consequences in people’s lives.
IMA state secretary Dr Sasidharan K said: “We have strong criticism against the logo, and we have sought the NMC to rectify it.”
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