Vice President Addresses 6th Convocation of AIIMS Rishikesh, Calls for Compassionate and Ethical Medical Service
Dehradun, April 23, 2026
The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed the 6th Convocation Ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh on Thursday, urging graduating doctors to serve with compassion, integrity, and a strong commitment to nation-building.
Highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of Rishikesh, he described it as not only the gateway to the Himalayas but also an emerging global center for reflection and healing. He noted that such an environment adds depth and meaning to the solemnity of a convocation ceremony.
The Vice President emphasized that a convocation marks not just the culmination of years of hard work and discipline, but also the beginning of a greater responsibility towards society. He encouraged graduates to approach their profession with dedication and a sense of purpose.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, he praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that India demonstrated resilience, innovation, and commitment. He highlighted the country’s extensive vaccination drive and the “Vaccine Maitri” initiative, through which India supported over 100 countries, reinforcing the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
The Vice President noted that the expansion of healthcare infrastructure over the past decade, including the establishment of new AIIMS institutions, has significantly improved access to quality healthcare and medical education.
He also appreciated innovations such as telemedicine, heli-ambulance services, and drone-based medicine delivery, especially for reaching remote and underserved regions.
Commending the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, he lauded the state government’s efforts in strengthening infrastructure, promoting inclusive development, and improving healthcare access. He stated that good governance lies in understanding and addressing the needs of the people.
Governor’s Message: Turn Challenges into Opportunities
Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) encouraged young doctors to transform the challenges of providing healthcare in mountainous regions into opportunities. He emphasized that medicine is not merely a profession, but a field rooted in service, empathy, and trust.
He also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital health technologies in transforming healthcare systems, urging graduates to adapt to these advancements.
Chief Minister’s Address: Medicine is the Highest Form of Service
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated the graduating students and described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. He stated that the medical profession plays a vital role in social and national development.
He emphasized that medicine is not just a career, but the highest form of service to humanity, requiring dedication, compassion, and sensitivity.
He noted that AIIMS Rishikesh has emerged as a leading healthcare institution equipped with advanced facilities such as cancer treatment, neurosurgery, robotic surgery, and joint replacement. He also highlighted the importance of heli-ambulance services in providing emergency care in remote areas.
Additionally, he informed that a satellite center of AIIMS Rishikesh is under construction in Udham Singh Nagar, which will enhance healthcare access in the Kumaon region.
Union Minister’s Remarks
Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel stated that the medical profession is a blend of service and ethics. She urged doctors to prioritize patients’ trust, uphold integrity, and remain lifelong learners in a rapidly evolving field.
The 6th Convocation Ceremony of AIIMS Rishikesh was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a reaffirmation of the values of service, ethics, and responsibility in the medical profession. The dignitaries collectively inspired the graduating doctors to contribute meaningfully to society and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.
