Vidya Yeravdekar,principal director of the Symbiosis Society and Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University),urged young medical graduates to embrace emerging technologies,including Artificial Intelligence, during her convocation address in Belagavi on Friday, June 5. She emphasized the need to maintain a human touch in healthcare, asserting that empathy and communication skills are as vital as professional competence .
Addressing graduates at 16th convocation of the KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER),Yeravdekar encouraged them to listen attentively to their patients and to practice medicine with compassion and integrity. She remarked that while accolades and awards are commendable, the essence of their profession lies in being good human beings dedicated to serving society .
As the graduates prepare to enter a rapidly changing world,Yeravdekar highlighted the importance of understanding diverse cultures and societal needs in healthcare . She called on them to continuously seek knowledge while remaining grounded in ethical values . The graduates were also encouraged to uphold the values instilled by KLE and to take pride in their legacy.
Lalitbhushan S. Waghmare, Vice-Chancellor of the Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research,served as guest of honour . He congratulated the students on their achievements,attributing their success to years of hard work and the unwavering support of their parents. Waghmare urged the graduates to recognize the guidance provided by their teachers and mentors throughout their academic journey.
He stressed significance of ethical values, sustainability,and social responsibility, advising the graduates to remain compassionate and humane amidst advancements in technology. Waghmare concluded by wishing them success in their future endeavors.
Sandeep Shrivastava, Vice-Chancellor of KAHER,presented University Report for the academic year 2025–26,highlighting the institution's remarkable progress and achievements over the past 20 years. He noted that KAHER has gained prestigious accreditations and national and international rankings, establishing itself as a centre of excellence in higher education and healthcare .
Under the leadership of Chancellor Prabhakar Kore, KAHER has implemented transformative initiatives in research, academic excellence,and community outreach programs . Shrivastava applauded the faculty and students for their outstanding accomplishments in research and co-curricular activities . He also mentioned that KAHER has consistently achieved a Platinum Band with an Institutional Grade A++ in the Sustainable Institutions of India Green Rankings since 2022 .
During the ceremony,a total of 1,810 degrees were awarded across various disciplines in Health Sciences. This included 40 gold medals for academic excellence, 44 PhDs,28 post-doctoral degrees,691 postgraduates, and 1,013 undergraduates. Notably, 34 students received gold medals, with Aditya Porwal from J.N. Medical College and Anastasia A. Carvalho from KLE Institute of Physiotherapy each securing two gold medals at undergraduate level.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, they are encouraged to utilize their knowledge and skills for the betterment of society and to make meaningful contributions to their respective fields .
