1,654 awarded degrees at colourful, ethnic PGI convocation

As many as 107 exceptional students were honoured with medals for their academic brilliance, while 1,547 graduates received their degrees at the 38th convocation of the PGIMER here this morning. The grand event was also important for it marked the celebration in ethnic wear.

The postgraduate and graduate students, faculty members and organising committee, all were dressed in uniform dress code — golden attire. While male students received degrees in golden kurtas, the other gender, much higher in numbers, were draping golden sarees with matching jhumkas and other accessories. Ditching the black robe, it indeed was reflection of India’s colourful culture.

Faculty members and students donned traditional attire, complemented by a customised stole bearing the PGIMER logo. Instead of cap-toss or cap-throwing ceremony, everyone was cheering by raising one hand while holding a degree in another for group pictures.

One of the students, Bisma Hasan, a nursing graduate, beautifully reflected the religious harmony as she wore a saree while covering her head with hijab. She hails from Pulwama, J&K.

While Vinod K Paul, member, NITI Ayog, was the chief guest at the event, Padma Shri Prof Jagat Ram, former director, PGIMER, was the guest of honour. Prof Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, Prof RK Ratho, Dean (Academics), and Prof Ashutosh N Aggarwal, professor incharge (Academics) were among those present on the dais.

In his address to the packed hall of Bhargava Auditorium, Prof Paul said, “The PGIMER has a special place in my heart. As a student at DAV College, I would walk from my hostel in Sector 15 to the college in Sector 10, passing by the PGIMER and seeing doctors going in and coming out of this esteemed institution. I often wondered if I would ever have the privilege of being associated with such a prestigious place.”

Earlier, Prof Vivek Lal highlighted the institute’s achievements and trajectory of excellence calling the PGIMER not just a medical institute but Nalanda and Takshashila of the modern era.

The well-attended ceremony featured invited dignitaries, professor emeritus, ex-directors, resident doctors and their families, key functionaries, heads of departments, and senior faculty.