AIIMS, New Delhi celebrates 42nd convocation

New Delhi, Oct 21: The 42nd convocation of AIIMS was a memorable occasion as for the first time the premier institute initiated the tradition of presenting lifetime achievement awards to medical professionals associated with it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave away the lifetime achievement awards to former senior faculty members of AIIMS who have contributed immensely to the development of the institution and also to medical science in the country, advised the passing out graduates to keep the student in themselves alive.

"Keep the student in you alive. These people whom I have honoured today with a lifetime achievement awards, they belong to the age group of 70-80 years. But if you meet them, you will find that they are very much aware of the latest developments of medical science, not because they need patients but because the student in them is still alive," said Modi.

Reminding the award winners of their days at the institute, Modi said, "You had so many people to turn to here in your institute to solve your problems and satisfy your curiosity. There was always someone who would protect you and take responsibility for what you do, and you were aware of that. But today from a four-walled closed classroom you will be entering a huge classroom."

"The moment, people especially those belonging to the medical profession fraternity feel that their learning period is over, I fell they stagnate and get stuck in all obstacles. The student mindset keeps the life alive and the moment we stop to learn, we should realise that we have taken a step towards death," he said.

Modi further said that when he had come to the function, a gentleman said that people are astounded by his energy.

"I say there is nothing to feel surprised about. People from medical science fraternity are present here, and they know that the urge to learn something new and do something new every time fills us with energy and zeal," he said.

PTI