Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 11: Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, commended the K S Hegde Medical Academy for its significant contributions and transformation in the field of education, setting a benchmark for others. Speaking as the chief guest at the silver jubilee celebration of the academy at the Nitte (Deemed to be University) in Deralakatte, he noted the academy's global reputation as a model of higher education.
"Justice K S Hegde, a legal expert in the financial sector and a Supreme Court judge, envisioned a society enriched with education, and that dream has come true," Naik said. He highlighted the academy's achievements under the Nitte Education Trust, which now educates over 25,000 students and employs 4,500 staff, benefiting countless alumni.
Praising the institution's healthcare outreach, Naik said, "Like the shade of a banyan tree, Nitte provides advanced, technology-driven medical services at affordable costs, even in rural areas." He encouraged the university to establish AYUSH disciplines, such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, to train future practitioners in traditional medicine and uphold the nation's heritage.
Former Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde, who was present as a guest, acknowledged Nitte's role in producing achievers in higher education. "May Nitte continue to set successful milestones and serve society’s aspirations," he said.
Chancellor N Vinay Hegde presided over the event and spoke of the institution’s continuous service over 25 years, especially through its 23 rural health centers that treat over 1,000 patients daily. He attributed the university’s success to the inspiration from his mother’s words to help the underprivileged, leading to the establishment of Nitte with collective effort.
On this occasion, Mamata Hegde, daughter of the late Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde, who had supported the academy’s establishment, and former vice-chancellors Dr Sudhakar Karanth, Dr Shantharam Shetty, and Dr Satheesh Kumar Bhandary were honored.
The event was attended by vice chancellor Dr M S Moodithaya, pro-chancellor Vishal Hegde, director of finance and planning Rajendra M, and members of the Nitte Education Trust administration including Rohith Poonja and Rajendra. Vice deans Dr Jayaprakash Shetty K and Dr Amrith Mirajkar, along with medical superintendent Dr Sumalatha R Shetty, were also present.
Dr M Shantharam Shetty, pro-chancellor of the hospital and postgraduate studies, delivered the welcome address. Dr Ankita Menon and Divya hosted the programme, while registrar Dr Harsha Halahalli proposed the vote of thanK S.
A commemorative souvenir for the silver jubilee was also released during the event.