Media Release
Udupi, Dec 5: Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Manipal, commemorated College Day and Awards Ceremony with grandeur on November 23. The event was marked by the presence of esteemed guests, faculty, and a congregation of aspiring dental professionals.
The ceremony was graced by the chief guest, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, vice-chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal. In his address, Dr Venkatesh lauded MCODS for maintaining its esteemed position in Indian dental education, notably attracting a full complement of undergraduate and postgraduate students. He highlighted the institution's significant contribution to the university's ranking and commended the quality and quantity of student research output. Dr Venkatesh's speech touched on the difference between aspiration and ambition, praising the institution's growth trajectory and urging the graduates to cultivate intrinsic motivation for excellence and contribute towards societal betterment and sustainable development goals.
Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean of KMC Manipal and the guest of honour, emphasized the importance of oral health in the overall well-being of patients. He celebrated the graduates' hard work and resilience, using Abraham Lincoln's journey as an inspiration for overcoming setbacks and aspiring for future success. The dean Dr Monica Charlotte Solomon welcomed the attendees and presented the annual report, highlighting the college's achievements in research and academia. The ceremony also saw the prestigious Dr TMA Pai Award gold medal for Best Research Paper of 2022 being conferred upon Dr Vasudev Ballal.
Awards for best audio-visual teaching aid were presented, with first prize going to Dr Anand Deep Shukla, and second prize to Dr Shaswata Karmakar and Dr Shashi Kiran S Dr Pallavi Taneja was honoured as the best outgoing undergraduate student of the year 2022. Furthermore, nineteen faculty members received the good teacher award for their excellence in education.
The event also included the felicitation of endowment awardees, batch and subject toppers, outstanding sportsmen, and members of the student council, student research forum, and student clubs. The annual college magazine, ‘Avenoir,’ was unveiled during the programme. The student council report was presented by president Dr Novaria Khwaja, and the graduate response was delivered by Dr Ananya Nair. The graduates' oath was rendered by Dr Shashi Rashmi Acharya, associate dean, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Vidya Saraswati, associate dean of MCODS, Manipal. The event was expertly compered by Dr Anandeep Shukla and Dr Komal Smriti, encapsulating a memorable day of celebration and achievement.