CS Keshav Chandra Inaugurates ‘Healthy Campus campaign’ and ‘Mentorship Programme Module’ on the Occasion

Port Blair, Dec. 14: The Andaman Nicobar Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS) hosted the White Coat Ceremony for the new MBBS- 2022 Batch at Dr.BR Ambedkar Auditorium today. Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Islands graced the event as the chief guest. Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health) was the guest of honour. Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (Health), Dr. Anil Agarwal, OSD, ANIIMS, Dr Munni Singhania, Director, DHS and Dr. Pragya Sharma, Director, ANIIMS were also present on the occasion. The White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage for medical students, and was created by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 1993. During the ceremony, a white coat is placed on each student's shoulders and Oath is recited, signifying their entrance into the medical profession.

The Chief Secretary initiated the White Coat Ceremony by placing the White Coat on the shoulders of Ms Techa, the first girl from the Great Andamanese tribe to pursue MBBS course. All other dignitaries also participated in giving White Coats to the students.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary described the White Coat ceremony as a momentous occasion and also an amazing tradition, which has been started by ANIIMS for the students.  As years go by, this initiative will assume greater heights and more glory, the Chief Secretary said adding that not only our country but entire humanity will feel proud of the doctors produced by ANIIMS.

The Chief Secretary stated that in the field of medicine, doctor is not only a profession, but is regarded as shadow of God and one must strive to imbibe good qualities. Referring to the students of 2022 batch, the Chief Secretary mentioned that on completion of the degree, they will become bold and confident, ready to serve the people. He said, the faculty members will not only teach the nuances of medicine but also teach the students how to become good human beings by imparting the qualities of empathy, pragmatism, honesty and charity.

The Chief Secretary remarked that the aim is not to have an Institute which simply confers degrees, but which produces good doctors as well as good human beings. The priceless moment in a doctor’s life is when he is revered and appreciated by people for saving precious lives. 

The Chief Secretary also inaugurated the ‘Healthy Campus campaign’ and ‘Mentorship Programme Module’ on the occasion. This campaign aims to provide a healthy learning and living environment to help students in their academic and co- curricular activities, thereby contributing towards complete personality development.

Speaking as the guest of honor, Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health) described the occasion as auspicious which signifies student’s entry into the medical profession. For the first time, this White Coat ceremony has been organized for the students of ANIIMS which, he said, is a watershed movement in the professional lives and service of every doctor. The White Coat Ceremony is not simply a rite of passage for medical students, but it’s a symbolic and constant reminder of the professional duties towards parents, patients, communities, he said.    “This ceremony also reminds the doctor to keep the patients interest above their own interest”, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health) said. He further stated that Medicine is not merely a profession, but it’s a service to fellow citizens, community and entire humanity. By donning this coat, he said, doctors also take on the sacred responsibilities associated with this noble profession.

In his address, the Secretary (Health), Shri Arjun Sharma said, today marks the official beginning of the 2022 batch of ANIIMS. This will be 5 year long course, which will have both intensive and extensive medical learning, practical, field visits and wholesome experience for the students. He further stated that ANIIMS as an Institute have seen 7 batches and this one is the 8th one. Two batches have already passed out from ANIIMS.  The Secretary said, we have the best faculty in this region and urged the students to learn and imbibe as much as they can during their 5 year long course.

In her welcome address, the Director, ANIIMS, Dr Pragya Sharma said, it’s a pleasure to see the students commencing their journey not only in the college but also in their professional career. She also congratulated each student for accomplishing an exciting milestone in their life.

Parents of the new batch students and faculty members were also present for the ceremony. The program concluded with physician’s pledge and vote of thanks delivered by Dean (Academics) Dr. Ashok K Dubey.