“Young medical graduates should adapt to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, while preserving the human touch in health-care,” said Vidya Yeravdekar, principal director, Symbiosis Society and Pro-Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, in Belagavi on Friday (June 5).
She was delivering the convocation address at the 16th convocation of KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER) (Deemed-to-be-University).
Dr. Yeravdekar highlighted the importance of empathy, communication, and interpersonal skills, stating that these qualities are as important as professional competence. She urged the new graduates to listen carefully to their patients, spend quality time understanding their concerns, and practice medicine with compassion and integrity. She noted that while awards, gold medals, and accolades are commendable, what truly matters is becoming a good human being and serving society with dedication and ethical values.
Congratulating the graduates on completing their degrees, she remarked that they were entering a rapidly evolving world with new opportunities and challenges. She stressed that healthcare extends far beyond medicine and requires a deep understanding of people, cultures, and society. She encouraged the students to continuously seek knowledge and remain grounded in values.
She encouraged the students to embrace diversity, uphold the values and ethical standards instilled by KLE, and take pride in carrying forward its legacy. She also expressed her desire to strengthen collaborative initiatives between the institutions and warmly invited the students to visit Pune Symbiosis campus in the future.
Lalitbhushan S. Waghmare, Vice-Chancellor, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DMIHER), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, was the guest of honour. Prabhakar Kore, Chancellor, KAHER, presided over the convocation ceremony.
Dr. Waghmare congratulated the graduating students and expressed that their achievements were the result of years of dedication and hard work. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of parents, whose unwavering support, sacrifices, and investments had played a vital role in their academic success.
He called upon the graduates to acknowledge the guidance extended by their teachers, mentors, and staff members who had supported them throughout their academic journey. He urged the graduates not only to excel as professionals but also to lead their lives as responsible and compassionate human beings. Emphasising on the importance of ethical values, sustainability, and social responsibility, he advised them to remain grounded and humane, irrespective of advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. He concluded by wishing all the graduate’s success, excellence, and the very best in their future endeavours.
Sandeep Shrivastava, Vice-Chancellor, KAHER, made a presentation of the University Report for the academic year 2025–26. He highlighted the remarkable achievements and progress of the university. He noted that within a short span of 20 years, KAHER, Belagavi, had significantly strengthened its reputation through prestigious accreditations, recognitions, national and international rankings, research collaborations and the successful acquisition of various extra-mural research grants.
He stressed that under the visionary leadership of Dr. Kore, KAHER has implemented several transformative initiatives in the areas of research, academic excellence, innovation, start-ups, funded projects, incentives, healthcare services, patient-centric programs, community out-reach programs, and so on. These efforts have enabled the university to achieve significant milestones and establish itself as a centre of excellence in higher education and health-care for which he applauded the faculty and students of KAHER for outstanding accomplishments in research projects, scientific publications, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. He informed that KAHER has consistently been placed in the Platinum Band with an Institutional Grade A++ in the Sustainable Institutions of India Green Rankings since 2022.
Concluding his address, he congratulated the graduating students and encouraged them to use their knowledge and skills for the betterment of society and meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.
A total of 1,810 degrees were awarded in various disciplines of Health Sciences, including 40 gold medals for their academic achievements in their respective courses/specialties, 44 PhDs, 28 post-doctoral (DM/MCh), 691 postgraduates, 1013 undergraduates and 34 postgraduate diplomas, diplomas, fellowships and certificate courses. Thirty-four students, including 26 girls and eight boys, were awarded 40 gold medals for their academic achievements in their respective courses/specialties.
With two gold medals, Aditya Porwal from J.N. Medical College, Belagavi, was awarded the highest number of gold medals at the undergraduate level (MBBS). With two gold medals, Anastasia A. Carvalho from KLE Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, was awarded the highest number of gold medals at the undergraduate level (BPT), according to a press release.
Published – June 05, 2026 10:30 pm IST
