107 exceptional students shine bright at PGI’s 38th Convocation

Prof Vinod K Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, was the chief guest.

Delivering his convocation address, Prof Paul said, “This convocation is not just a milestone; it is the first step towards a new journey of professional excellence. As you move forward, remember that your knowledge and skills are not just for yourself but for the service of humanity. Hold fast to the values instilled in you by this great institution.”

Reflecting on his college days in Chandigarh, Prof Paul said, “PGI holds 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 PGI and witnessing doctors coming in and out of this esteemed institution. I often wondered if I would ever have the privilege of being associated with such a prestigious place.”

Prof Vinod K Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, presents a silver medal certificate to a student. (Express photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

He lauded the PGI for its enduring dedication to patient care, medical education and innovative research.

Outlining PGI’s goals, Prof Paul said, “As an institution, our aspiration is clear: to rank among the top 25 globally, and this milestone is well within our grasp. We have the best training, unmatched potential, and the drive to shape the future. As doctors, you must remain vigilant to ensure that AI and other tools serve all patients fairly, without perpetuating existing biases and without compromising clinical examination.”

The guest of honour, Prof Jagat Ram, former PGI director, reflected on PGI’s journey, saying that the institution stands as a symbol of excellence, a victim of its success, with overwhelming patient trust leading to a record outpatient and emergency numbers.

Earlier, Prof Vivek Lal, Director, PGI, highlighted the institute’s achievements and trajectory of excellence: “PGI stands tall among the greatest medical institutions globally. More than 25% of program directors in the US come from PGI — this is the power of our alma mater. A degree from PGI isn’t just a certificate; it’s a testament to the fact that you can survive in any environment.”

Prof Vivek Lal, Director, PGI, highlighted the institute’s achievements and trajectory of excellence: “PGI stands tall among the greatest medical institutions globally. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

Top Medal Winners

Dr Srinivas Ananth K, Kataria Gold Medal, 2023-24

‘Consistency & discipline key to success’

“This is surreal,” says Dr Srinivas Ananth K, as he proudly wears his two medals, a gold and a silver. Dr Ananth did his MBBS from Tamil Nadu and his MD in Nuclear Medicine from PGI. The Kataria Gold Medal is the highest order in medals awarded to the best outgoing candidate judged based on academic and extracurricular activities.

Recalling his years at PGI, Dr Ananth says the initial three months were a bit tough, with the language and food taking time to adjust, but “I can give the faculty and my classmates the credit for these most wonderful years. Nuclear Medicine is a field that is the future, for we can both diagnose and treat patients, predominantly malignancies. I have presented my papers internationally on neuroendocrine tumours. My research thesis is on thyroid cancer, and our Department at PGI is the best in the country, we are the pioneers in PET-guided biopsies, and it has been a privilege to learn from the best and grow as a doctor and a person”.

The Kataria Gold Medal is for overall academics and co-curricular activities, and according to Dr Ananth, he has a keen interest in dance, art, and poetry, and is a badminton player as well and was chosen Mr Zenith. The key to success, he says, is discipline and consistency, and working closely with the faculty and understanding their vision. Dr Ananth, who worked as a senior resident at PGI and is now in Hyderabad, is preparing for a new phase.

Suraj Gupta, AIKAT Memorial Gold Medal, 2021

‘Enjoy the phase of learning’

During Covid, Suraj Gupta, who did his B.Sc in Medical Laboratory Technology from PGI, realised the power of testing and how it needs to reach the grassroots level. Now working with the Delhi government, he talks about how the degree from PGI equipped him to follow the principles of mass-level testing during Covid.

“Nothing is possible without testing, and not just for treatment, but also diagnosis and prevention,” says Gupta, who won a gold medal for excellence in academics and a silver medal for his participation and excellence in sports, cricket, poetry, and open mic. “You have to keep working, and enjoying every phase of your journey of learning and keep excelling in the field,” says Gupta, who is now preparing for the Civil Services exam.

Karuna, AIKAT Memorial Gold Medal, 2019

‘My learning continues’

A B.Sc in Paramedics from PGI, Karuna says studying here and achieving this gold medal is like a dream. “I had never thought about it, but the hard work behind this achievement is not only mine, but also of my family and teachers; without them I would not have been able to reach here today. The faculty here at PGI is par excellence. Attending lectures regularly is important,” says Karuna.

Now working as a Lab Technologist at AIIMS, Delhi, Karuna says both PGI and AIIMS are the top two medical institutes of India, and she is proud that she had the privilege of being a part of the top institutes in the country. “My learning continues,” adds Karuna.

Meenakshi, AIKAT Memorial Gold Medallist, 2020

‘PGI faculty members have been a great support’

“The best thing that I have done is the B.Sc Medical Laboratory Technology from PGI and I am proud to be working as a laboratory technologist in PGI’s Advanced Pediatric Centre,” says Meenakshi, winner of the AIKAT Memorial Gold Medal. She got gold and silver medals for the student of the year and academic excellence.

“Hard work is very important to reach the top level, and I focused on patient care classes along with studies. PGI faculty members have been a great support, and without them, I would not have been able to reach here today,” adds Meenakshi.