RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka graced the White Coat Ceremony at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Smriti Medical College, Raipur, on Friday.

Highlighting the noble essence of the medical profession, he described medicine as the ultimate form of service to humanity, urging students to embrace both knowledge and compassion in their journey as future healthcare providers.

The event marked the Charaka Oath Ceremony, inspired by the ancient Indian text Charaka Samhita, attributed to Maharishi Charaka, a pioneering figure in Ayurveda. First-year MBBS students pledged their commitment to ethical medical practice by taking this significant oath.

In his address, the Governor emphasized the symbolic importance of the white coat, calling it a mantle of responsibility, integrity, and service. "The white coat is not just attire; it represents a commitment to purity, discipline, and excellence. Let no blemish—physical or moral—tarnish it. The oath you take today is your guide for a lifetime of dedicated service," he said.

Drawing from his reflections on India’s rich medical heritage and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic,

Deka lauded the extraordinary contributions of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers during the crisis. "The medical fraternity stood unmatched in its dedication and resilience during those testing times," he remarked.

He further encouraged students to view their profession as both an opportunity and a challenge, urging them to focus on research-driven development and innovative approaches. "Medicine is advancing rapidly with new technologies and discoveries. You must sharpen your decision-making abilities, work tirelessly, and maintain a positive attitude to earn society's trust and recognition," he added.

During the ceremony, the Governor presented gold medals to outstanding students in recognition of their academic excellence. The college principal, Dr. Vivek Chaudhary, and Dr. Arvind Neral also addressed the gathering, motivating the budding doctors to strive for excellence and uphold the ethics of their profession.

Gold medals were awarded to outstanding students, including Niharika Pal, Reena Sarkar, Mohammad Kashif Imam, Muskan, Ali Asghar Naqvi, Palak Kejriwal, Ashiti Tiwari, Khushi Govindani, Mithlesh Banjare, Veerapneni Shruti, Purva Krishnani, Vipul Inchulkar, Soumya Sinha, and Anushka Dubey.