Date: 12 October 2026
Venue: College Auditorium, Second Floor, Navodaya Medical College, Raichur
Institution: Navodaya Medical College, Navodaya Education Trust, Raichur
Navodaya Medical College (NMC), Raichur, inaugurated the 24th Batch of the MBBS undergraduate degree course for the academic year 2026–27 on 12 October 2026 at the college auditorium. The ceremony marked the beginning of a new academic journey for 220 newly admitted MBBS students, who took the students’ pledge and donned their white coats, symbolising their entry into the noble profession of medicine and their commitment to ethical practice, professional integrity, and compassionate patient care.
The programme was attended by the parents of the newly admitted students, faculty members, and distinguished dignitaries from Navodaya Education Trust (NET) and the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Raichur.
Inauguration and Distinguished Dignitaries
The programme was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Harish Kumar Sardana, Director, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Raichur. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Gurudatta S. Pawar, Dean/Principal, Navodaya Medical College, Raichur.
The distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion included:
- Dr. T. Srinivas, Registrar, Navodaya Education Trust, Raichur.
- Dr. Amruth Reddy, Director of Operations, Navodaya Education Trust, Raichur.
- Dr. P. Vijay Kumar, Director, Institutional Promotion and Student Affairs (IP&SA), Navodaya Education Trust.
- Dr. Arun K. N., Medical Superintendent, Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (NMCH&RC), Raichur.
The programme was organised under the leadership and guidance of the management of Navodaya Education Trust and the administration of Navodaya Medical College. The invitation acknowledged Shri S. R. Reddy, Hon’ble Chairman, Navodaya Education Trust, as the Chief Patron of the event.
Traditional Invocation and Welcome Address
The ceremony commenced with the traditional Saraswathi Pooja, invoking the blessings of Goddess Saraswathi for knowledge, wisdom, and success in the students’ academic journey. This was followed by Vande Mataram and the Naadageethe, setting a solemn and patriotic tone for the occasion.
Dr. A. S. Aanand, Vice Principal and Professor and Head of the Department of Pathology, NMC, delivered the welcome address. He welcomed the dignitaries, faculty members, parents, and the newly admitted students to the Navodaya family. He highlighted the significance of the occasion and extended his best wishes to the students as they embarked on their journey towards becoming competent and compassionate medical professionals.
Dr. Aanand also played an important role in coordinating the programme, preparing the student anchors, and guiding student volunteers to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony.
Introduction of the Distinguished Guest
Dr. Anand Kumar H., Professor, Department of Microbiology, NMC, introduced the distinguished guest, Dr. Harish Kumar Sardana, Director, IIIT Raichur. The introduction highlighted the importance of welcoming a leader from the field of technology to address aspiring medical professionals at a time when medicine and emerging technologies are increasingly interconnected.
The dignitaries were welcomed with floral bouquets presented by the Heads of Departments and senior faculty members.
Formal Inauguration and White Coat Ceremony
The formal inauguration of the 24th MBBS batch for the academic year 2026–27 was performed by the dignitaries. The occasion was followed by the White Coat Ceremony, an important milestone in the professional formation of medical students.
The white coat symbolised the students’ entry into the medical profession and their responsibility to uphold the principles of medical ethics, dignity, empathy, accountability, and service to humanity.
Students’ Pledge
Dr. Bande Nawaz, Professor and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology and Coordinator, Medical Education Unit (MEU), NMC, administered the students’ pledge.
The 220 newly admitted students pledged to uphold the values and responsibilities of the medical profession. The pledge reinforced the importance of integrity, dedication, respect for patients, professional conduct, and compassionate healthcare delivery.
The occasion served as a reminder that medical education extends beyond acquiring theoretical knowledge and clinical skills; it also requires a lifelong commitment to ethical practice and the welfare of society.
Address by the Distinguished Guest
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Harish Kumar Sardana, Director, IIIT Raichur, spoke about the growing intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern medicine. He highlighted the expanding role of AI in clinical practice, diagnosis, therapeutics, and medical research.
Emphasising the potential of technology to improve healthcare delivery, he observed that AI can provide assistance in diagnosis and therapy, enabling healthcare professionals to serve humanity more effectively.
He also drew attention to the rapid advancement of the medical profession worldwide and encouraged the newly admitted students to remain updated with emerging technologies and scientific developments. He urged them to make effective use of the state-of-the-art facilities and learning opportunities available at Navodaya Medical College to enhance their knowledge, develop practical competencies, and prepare themselves for the evolving demands of healthcare.
His address encouraged students to appreciate the complementary roles of medical knowledge, technological innovation, clinical judgement, and human compassion in shaping the future of medicine.
Following his address, Dr. Harish Kumar Sardana was felicitated in recognition of his presence and contribution to the inaugural ceremony.
Address by Dr. T. Srinivas, Registrar, NET
Dr. T. Srinivas, Registrar, Navodaya Education Trust, congratulated the newly admitted students on qualifying for medical education through the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). He encouraged them to remain focused on their aspirations and make the best use of the opportunities provided by the institution.
Highlighting the importance of practical competencies alongside academic knowledge, he remarked:
“The medical profession does not demand marks; it demands skills.”
He emphasised that developing professional skills, clinical competence, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-life situations is essential for future doctors. He highlighted Navodaya Education Trust’s commitment to skill development and assured parents that their children were entering a supportive learning environment.
Describing Navodaya Education Trust as a “Campus of Possibilities,” he encouraged students to remain disciplined, pursue their goals with determination, and avoid distractions that could affect their academic and professional development.
His address reinforced the importance of combining academic excellence with practical abilities, professional discipline, and a clear sense of purpose.
Presidential Address by Dr. Gurudatta S. Pawar, Dean/Principal, NMC
In his presidential address, Dr. Gurudatta S. Pawar, Dean/Principal, Navodaya Medical College, congratulated the students and their parents on this important milestone.
He highlighted the institution’s emphasis on comprehensive medical education, integrating academic learning, clinical and practical skill development, and research. He encouraged students to utilise the educational resources, infrastructure, and guidance provided by the college to develop into competent, responsible, and compassionate medical professionals.
He also drew attention to the diverse career pathways pursued by graduates of Navodaya Medical College, reflecting the wide range of opportunities available to students through the institution’s academic and professional ecosystem.
He encouraged the incoming batch to maintain discipline, commitment, curiosity, and perseverance throughout their medical education and to uphold the values and standards expected of the medical profession.
Vote of Thanks and Acknowledgements
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Bande Nawaz, Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology and Coordinator, Medical Education Unit, NMC.
On behalf of the management, organising committee, faculty members, and the entire Navodaya family, he expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful conduct of the ceremony.
He placed on record his appreciation for Shri S. R. Reddy, Hon’ble Chairman, Navodaya Education Trust, acknowledging his vision, leadership, and continued commitment to institutional development and excellence.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, Dr. Harish Kumar Sardana, for inaugurating the programme and delivering an inspiring address on the role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in medicine.
He thanked Dr. Gurudatta S. Pawar, Dean/Principal, NMC, for his guidance, presidential address, and leadership in coordinating the programme, including his support to the organising team and student anchors.
He also acknowledged the presence and contributions of the Guests of Honour: Dr. T. Srinivas, Registrar, NET; Dr. Amruth Reddy, Director of Operations, NET; Dr. P. Vijay Kumar, Director, IP&SA, NET; and Dr. Arun K. N., Medical Superintendent, NMCH&RC.
Special appreciation was extended to Dr. A. S. Aanand, Vice Principal and Head of Pathology, for his warm welcome address and efforts in preparing the anchors and coordinating student volunteers. He thanked Dr. Anand Kumar H., Professor of Microbiology, for introducing the distinguished guest.
Dr. Bande Nawaz also acknowledged the valuable contribution of Dr. K. Srinivas Rao, Professor of Biochemistry, for managing the audio and sound systems and coordinating the stage, auditorium, and backstage arrangements.
He appreciated the Heads of Departments and senior faculty members for welcoming the dignitaries with bouquets. Special appreciation was extended to the student anchors, Neelisha and Deeksha, for their effective presentation, and to the final MBBS student volunteers led by Hashwathi and team, including Akshita and Tushita, for guest reception and escorting, and Rizwan and team, including Subhan and Vivek, for stage assistance, coordination, and ushering.
He further thanked everyone involved in the Saraswathi Pooja, Vande Mataram, and Naadageethe, as well as the non-teaching staff, technical personnel, auditorium coordinators, and other supporting teams whose efforts contributed to the smooth and successful execution of the programme.
Addressing the parents, he expressed gratitude for placing their trust in Navodaya Medical College. Welcoming the newly inducted 24th MBBS batch, he reminded the students that wearing the white coat and taking the students’ pledge marked the beginning of a profession founded on knowledge, integrity, and compassion. He extended his best wishes to all students for a successful and meaningful medical career.
Conclusion
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem, marking the formal end of the inauguration programme.
The inauguration of the 24th MBBS batch was a significant occasion for Navodaya Medical College, bringing together institutional leadership, distinguished guests, faculty members, parents, and 220 aspiring medical professionals. The programme emphasised the importance of academic excellence, practical skill development, ethical responsibility, research, and the appropriate use of emerging technologies in modern medicine.
As the new students begin their medical education at Navodaya Medical College, the institution reaffirms its commitment to nurturing competent, compassionate, ethical, and future-ready doctors dedicated to serving society and advancing healthcare.
— Navodaya Medical College, Raichur
Navodaya Education Trust
