The 6th graduation ceremony of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), Diploma National Board (DNB) and Diploma, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences graduates of the Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR) was held on April 9 at LG Hall, CIHSR campus.
The event was graced by CMC, Vellore, former principal, Dr. Anna Pulimood, as the chief guest. A total of 75 graduates conferred degrees across Nursing, DNB and Allied Health Sciences.
In her graduating address, Dr. Anna Pulimood, congratulated the graduates and said that the day marked the culmination of years of hard work in classes, clinics and examinations. She acknowledged the support of parents, family, teachers and patients, and noted that it was a time to thank God for all who had contributed to their journey.
She spoke on the theme of empowerment, noting that God empowers everyone to do His work. She stated that institutions like CIHSR and CMC provide a safe environment to learn, work and serve others, especially the poor, the marginalized and those without access to healthcare. She said empowerment enables individuals to reach their potential and to serve others, and that it also allows people to fulfil the roles God has planned for them and to empower others in turn. She emphasized that service to others remains at the core of such institutions.
She stated that empowerment involves three aspects: calling, preparation and action. A calling, she said, is usually in the service of others, citing Jackie Robinson and Mahatma Gandhi, “not to be served, but to serve.” Recalling the example of Dr. Mary Verghese, who overcame paralysis to become India’s first rehabilitation specialist, She noted that preparation was essential and involves developing skills, patience and perseverance, often through challenges and adversity, which shape individuals for their future role.
She further stated that empowerment is fulfilled through action, which requires commitment and sacrifice, and is reflected in service to others and meaningful impact, citing Dr. Ida Scudder’s work in India who founded Christian Medical College Vellore, dedicated her life to bringing healthcare to women and the poor, leaving a legacy of service and lasting impact. Quoting Mother Teresa, she reminded the graduates that “what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
Dr. Pulimood concluded by encouraging the graduates to find their calling, persevere in preparation, and be empowered to empower others
Charge to the graduate was given by NERMPI, principal, Dr.B. Paul Ravindran, who described the day as a profound and joyful moment for the graduates, marking not only the culmination of their academic journey but also their readiness to step into the world as professionals. He noted that the years of hard work and perseverance had shaped them into grounded, skillful and resilient individuals, the kind of professionals the world needs.
He encouraged them to face future challenges by remembering their foundation at the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), which would guide them in their journey.
He stated that CIHSR seeks to serve, nurture and transform, adding that the graduates now carry this vision forward. He encouraged them to recreate the CIHSR environment wherever they go, learn from mistakes, invest in people and research, uphold teamwork, and mentor others.
He charged the graduates to serve with compassion, treat patients with dignity and respect, nurture trust, and support the vulnerable. He urged them to act as agents of change in healthcare, practice with humility, uphold integrity, pursue excellence, respect all roles within the healthcare system, and remain resilient in adversity.
In conclusion, he reminded them of the teaching from Micah 6:8—to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God—and encouraged them to serve with compassion, nurture with dedication and transform lives with purpose.
Short speeches were given by three graduates. Representing the College of Nursing, Takatula Imsong, from North East Regional Multi – Disciplinary Paramedical Institute (NERMPI), Somishan Shimray, and Dr. Akhil Solomon Geddam spoke for the DNB graduates.
Other highlights of the day included, pledge by the graduates which was administered by Dean of Medical Sciences, Dr. Leishwon Kumrah, the day included song performance and institutional song by CIHSR students, while three Students received Simpsons’ award for best outgoing student (CoN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Post Basic), Jennyta Pathaw, Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing (Basic), Avikhrieü Kaco and General nursing and Midwifery, Takatula Imsong.
Earlier, the program began with an academic procession, and was chaired by CIHSR, Director, Dr. Sedevi Angami, and CIHSR, HoD Human Resource, Thingngamphy Vashum, invocation by Major OT – HOD, Chief Facilitating Officer, Dr. Temsula Alinger, Welcome address by CIHSR, Director, Dr. Sedevi Angami, and benediction by CIHSR, Nursing Superintendent, Prof. L. Emi Humtsoe.
A total of 75 graduates were conferred degrees and diplomas, including 8 DNB graduates, 19 post Basic B.Sc Nursing, 29 B.Sc Nursing graduates, 21 GNM graduates, and 17 graduates from the North East Regional Multi-Disciplinary Paramedical Institute (NERMPI), representing B.Sc MLT, B.Sc AOTT, and B.Sc HIM programmes.
CIHSR holds 5th graduation ceremony
Staff reporterDIMAPUR, APR 9 (NPN):
