MTMC Celebrates Historic First Graduation Ceremony as Pioneer MBBS Batch Receives Degrees

The ceremony marked a monumental milestone as the pioneer batch of 133 MBBS students from the 2020–2021 academic session graduated and formally entered the medical profession. During the ceremony, Dr Sharath K Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, conferred medical degrees upon the graduating students, who are now set to contribute to the healthcare ecosystem of the region and beyond.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the prestigious Dr TMA Pai Gold Medal by the Governor of Jharkhand, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar. The convocation witnessed the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including Shri K. Vijay Kumar, Senior Security Advisor, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, who attended as Guest of Honour; Shri Sundara Ramam, Vice President – Corporate Services, Tata Steel; Shri Somnath Das, Group President – Special Projects and Officer on Special Duty to MAHE; and Brig. (Dr) H S Bandhu, Dean of MTMC. Family members and friends of the graduating students were also present to witness the historic occasion.

The event was further attended by senior leadership from MAHE and Tata Steel Limited, senior MTMC administrators, distinguished academicians, faculty members, and invited dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar described the convocation as a celebration not only of academic excellence but also of the graduates’ future contribution to society. Reflecting on the vision of the institution’s founders, he stated that education and healthcare remain powerful instruments of social transformation and emphasized the need to build a stronger foundation for a healthier and more equitable society.

The Governor reminded the graduating students that medicine is not merely a profession but a mission dedicated to serving humanity. He observed that while artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced healthcare technologies are rapidly transforming medical practice, the core of healthcare continues to rest on empathy, trust, and meaningful human connection.

Joining the ceremony virtually, Shri Irfan Ansari, Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Government of Jharkhand, highlighted the broader responsibilities of medical professionals. He stated that the role of doctors extends beyond treatment and includes advocacy, building trust, and serving as a dependable humanitarian support system for patients during times of need. He urged the graduates to reassure patients that they have the opportunity to lead fulfilling and healthy lives after receiving medical care.

In his address, Shri K. Vijay Kumar encouraged the young medical professionals to pursue their careers with passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. Stressing that healthcare is a collective effort, he underscored the importance of teamwork among doctors, nurses, paramedics, and support staff in ensuring quality patient care.

Dr Sharath K Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said that MTMC has evolved into a strong academic institution with a growing reputation for excellence in medical education, research, and innovation. He expressed confidence that the institution’s first graduating batch possesses the competence, confidence, and values required to excel in the rapidly evolving field of medicine.

He further stated that MAHE remains committed to preparing doctors capable of making meaningful contributions to healthcare in India and across the world. He also reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to advancing research and academic development at MTMC as part of its long-term vision.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Somnath Das said that the realization of the government’s policy vision for a private-private consortium in medical education has been successfully translated into reality at MTMC. He described the graduation of the first batch as evidence of the strength of this pioneering partnership and its enduring value to society.

Shri D B Sundara Ramam, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel, stated that Tata Steel has consistently believed in making meaningful contributions to society and that MTMC reflects this commitment in a significant and impactful manner. He described the institution as a lasting investment in education, healthcare, and community development across the region.

The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Brig. (Dr) H S Bandhu, Dean of MTMC, while Dr P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE, delivered the vote of thanks.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, currently offers more than 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Technology and Science through its campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. Recognised nationally and internationally for academic excellence, advanced infrastructure, and research contributions, MAHE was granted Institution of Eminence status by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in 2020. The university is currently ranked third in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings and continues to attract students and employers seeking academic excellence and professional talent.

The first graduation ceremony of MTMC stands as a historic achievement for the institution and a significant milestone in medical education in the region. The graduation of its inaugural MBBS batch not only reflects the success of a pioneering academic partnership but also marks the beginning of a new generation of healthcare professionals prepared to serve society with knowledge, skill, and compassion.