Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary

Media Release

Udupi, Aug 15: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Manipal successfully celebrated the 79th Independence Day with great patriotic fervour and enthusiasm on Friday, August 15 at the MAHE campus. The inspiring ceremony, held in front of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences (formerly MMMC), brought together faculty, students, and staff to commemorate India's journey of freedom and reaffirm their commitment to national service and excellence.

Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, MAHE, hoisted the national flag. Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retired), vice chancellor, MAHE, said, "Independence Day reminds us that freedom comes with responsibility. As we celebrate 79 years of independence, MAHE and its constituent institutions, like MCODS, continue to serve the nation by nurturing healthcare professionals who will strengthen India's medical infrastructure. Our commitment to excellence in education and healthcare is our tribute to the freedom fighters who made this day possible."

The ceremony was graced by senior officials of MAHE including Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor, (health sciences), Dr Narayana Sabhahit, pro vice chancellor (technology and science), Dr Anand Venugopal, chief operating officer, operations and Dr P Giridhar Kini, registrar, MAHE along with head of the institutions of MAHE participated in the celebrations. The event was organized under the leadership of Dr Gopalakrishnan Dharmarajan, Dean, MCODS, Manipal.

The ceremony's highlight was the hoisting of the National Flag by chief guest Dr H S Ballal, accompanied by the national anthem, creating a moment of profound national pride and unity among all participants. This was followed by an impressive parade featuring reporting, inspection, and march-past that showcased the discipline and dedication of the MAHE community.

The event featured a comprehensive parade with detailed reporting, inspection, and march-past that demonstrated the exemplary organization and patriotic spirit of the MCODS community. Dr Gopalakrishnan Dharmarajan, dean of Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Manipal, welcomed the gathering, and Dr Shashi Rashmi Acharya, Associate Dean, MCODS, Manipal, proposed a vote of thanks.

The celebrations were expertly coordinated by Dr Anand Deep Shukla, associate professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, MCODS, Manipal, who served as the master of the ceremony, ensuring smooth proceedings throughout the event. The ceremony's formal conclusion saw the parade commander seeking the chief guest's permission to break the parade, followed by the traditional distribution of sweets that added warmth and community spirit to the patriotic celebration.

Out of 21 contingents that participated in the march-past during the Independence Day celebrations, the following contingents are the prize winners.

1st Place: Manipal Institute of Technology, (MIT), Manipal.

2nd Place: Welcome Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), Manipal.

3rd Place: Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal.