News and pics by Divvy Kant Upadhyay
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (GA)
Mangalore, Mar 10: “To be a good and honest citizen is out of fashion” said Manipal Institute of Nephrology and Urology (MINU-Bangalore) founder-director Dr H Sudarshan Ballal while addressing the graduating dental students of the Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS) which celebrated its Annual Day on Monday March 9 at the Dr TMA Pai Intl Convention Centre in the city.
Dr Sudarshan Ballal who was the chief guest at the function encouraged the students to become good, compassionate and responsible citizens before or alongside being good and successful doctors. Dr Ballal expressed his concerns at the chaos that was prevailing at many places in the world and hoped that coming generations would promote peaceful co-existence. Dr Ballal also recollected his old days at Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore from which he passed out as the winner of the prestigious Dr TMA Pai Gold Medal (best outgoing medical student) in the late 70s.
Dean of MCODS Mangalore, Dr Surendra Shetty presented the College annual report highlighting the strides made by the college in the past year which included details of close to 10 research projects that are underway at the college. Each department of the college organized Continuing Dental Education programmes (CDEs).
Manipal University (MU) Pro-Chancellor Dr H S Ballal welcomed the Dental Council of India-DCI's decision to make CDEs mandatory for doctors' license renewals. Dr HS Ballal also informed that Dr Surendra Shetty has been one of the longest serving heads of institutions under MU having completed 24 years at the helm of Mangalore’s oldest and prestigious dental college.
A total of 94 students gradated from the college earning their BDS degrees. The Dr TMA Pai Gold Medal for best outgoing student went to Varun Arya. Dr Shobha Rodrigues won the best faculty award and was given a standing ovation by the students.
Manipal University Chancellor Dr Ramdas M Pai presided over the function. Associate deans of MCODS Mangalore, Dr Dilip Naik and Dr Mohan Baliga were present along with senior KMC and MU officials.