The dignitaries present on the dais included Dr. Neelambikai Natarajan, Dean, KVGMC&H Dr. C R Bhat, Medical Superintendent; Dr. Prakash Rao, Student Advisor; Dr. Gopinath Pai, Student Welfare Officer; Dr. V S Pare, Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy; Dr. Damodar D, Professor, Department of Physiology; Dr. Shivaraj Shankar Y M, Professor and Head, Department of Biochemistry; Dr. Navya B N, Chief Warden, Girls’ Hostel; and Dr. Sachin, Chief Warden, Boys’ Hostel.
The ceremony started with an invocation rendered by Phase III MBBS students Ms. Dhruthi Dandur and Ms. Mule Vishakha Bhujang. This was followed by the welcome address delivered by Dr. Prakash Rao, who formally greeted the gathering and outlined the significance of the occasion. The programme was then inaugurated by the dignitaries through the lighting of the lamp.
The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Neelambikai Natarajan, Dean, KVGMC&H, who apprised the students of the institutional rules and regulations and emphasized the importance of discipline, professionalism, and ethical conduct in medical education. An overview of the MBBS course structure, eligibility criteria, and distribution of subjects across different phases was presented by Dr. Shruthi Rai P., Professor, Department of Biochemistry.
An overview of the Foundation Course was presented by Dr. Shivarajashankara Y M., who explained the objectives of the 14-day programme, the modules covered, and the expert sessions designed to orient students to the medical profession. This was followed by a virtual campus tour presented by Dr. Anirudh Katipalla, Assistant Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, highlighting the campus infrastructure and all the departments.
The student handbook was formally released by the dignitaries, serving as a comprehensive guide to institutional policies, curriculum details, and academic activities. The White Coat Ceremony followed, during which white coats were distributed to all newly admitted students, symbolizing their entry into the medical profession. The professional oath was administered by Dr. V. S. Pare, highlighting the values of compassion,integrity, and commitment to patient care.
A session on ragging and anti-ragging measures was addressed by Dr. Geetha Doppa, Professor and Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, emphasizing zero tolerance towards ragging. Hostel rules and regulations were explained by Dr. Navya B N, Professor, Department of Pathology, to familiarize students with hostel discipline and expectations.
The programme featured an alumni address by Dr. Namratha K. G., Professor, Department of Microbiology, who shared insights from her student to professional journey. Addresses were also delivered by student council representatives Nikshep Chandrashekar, General Secretary,and Gowri S. Pillai, Joint General Secretary. Senior students Dr. Sabith Rahman and Dr. Sadvi Prasad, freshers Saniha Shetty and Rakshith, shared their experiences, followed by brief and encouraging addresses from parents.
The ceremony concluded with the Presidential Address by Dr. K. V. Chidananda, who inspired the students to uphold ethical values, dedication, and service-mindedness throughout their medical careers. The programme formally ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Damodar D, followed by the National Anthem. The event marked a memorable and meaningful beginning to the MBBS journey of the 2025–26 batch, reinforcing the ideals of professionalism and responsibility expected of future medical practitioners.
