R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, APR 18
In a convocation marked as much by academic distinction as by a powerful message on humanity in medicine, Dr. Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth urged young doctors to place compassion above cutting-edge technology, reminding them that “patients approach doctors with fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability.” Addressing the 41st Convocation of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, he underscored that empathy—not machines—will always remain the cornerstone of good medical practice.
The 41st Convocation of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research was held on April 17, with Dr. Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth, Chairman of the National Medical Commission and President of the National Board of Examinations, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, as Chief Guest. He presented 53 gold medals to meritorious students.
- 41st Convocation of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research celebrates academic excellence and human values
- 902 graduates awarded degrees across medical, engineering and management disciplines
- 53 gold medals presented; Dr. Janavi Sridhar shines with triple gold in MBBS
- ‘Kind words can be more powerful than advanced treatment,’ says NMC Chairman
- SRIHER’s research surge: 14,000+ publications, 1.56 lakh citations, thriving start-up ecosystem
Among the top achievers, Dr. Janavi Sridhar stood out by securing three gold medals for outstanding performance in MBBS examinations.
“Empathy at the Core”
“Patients approach doctors with fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability. Listening to them with kind words can be more powerful than even the most advanced medical treatment,” Dr. Abhijat said. “While technology will continue to transform healthcare, empathy will always remain at the heart of good medical practice,” he added.
He urged graduates to constantly refine their clinical skills and actively engage in research and innovation.
“The nation needs doctors who are not only competent but also compassionate and socially responsible,” he said, while also advising them to firmly adhere to the moral and ethical values of the medical profession.
“Behind every doctor stands a community that has believed in and supported them,” he added.
Degrees, Distinction & Diversity
Pro-Chancellor R. V. Sengutuvan conferred degrees on 902 graduates, including Ph.D., postgraduate and undergraduate students across disciplines such as medicine, engineering and management.
Research Momentum & Innovation Push
Presenting the annual report, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Uma Sekar highlighted SRIHER’s expanding research footprint and innovation ecosystem. With support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC-DBT), Government of India, the institution is incubating over 40 start-ups spanning digital health, diagnostics, medical technologies, clean energy and waste management.
The university has surpassed 14,034 publications, with over 1,56,000 citations and an H-index of 111. In 2025 alone, 1,811 publications were added. Additionally, 65 patents were filed, 29 published and 3 granted, along with 71 copyrights.
The Centre for Toxicology and Developmental Research (CEFTE) continues to play a pivotal role in postgraduate teaching and pre-clinical research. Notably, it remains the only centre in the country with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) accreditation and is currently undertaking 22 funded research projects, she added.
Dignitaries Present
Trustee Mrs. Samyuktha Venkataachalam, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Mahesh Vakamudi, Dean (Medical College) Dr. K. Balaji Singh, Registrar Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, Dean Research Dr. P. Venkatachalam, Controller of Examinations Dr. R. Padmavathi, Director (Finance & Accounts) Mr. J. Ravisankar, and Heads of Departments were present.
