Hans News Service Bengaluru

ChiefMinister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday urged newly graduated doctors to uphold the trust reposed in them by society, describing them as “living gods” who play a crucial role in people’s lives during their most difficult moments.

Addressing the 28th annual convocation of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) at the GKVK campus in Bengaluru, the Chief Minister, along with the Governor, conferred degrees on graduating students and encouraged them to pursue excellence with dedication and compassion.

“Doctors are the living gods people can see and approach. No matter how difficult their circumstances are, people come to doctors with immense faith and trust. It is your responsibility to preserve that trust and serve society with commitment,” Shivakumar said.

He noted that the medical profession presents new challenges every day and emphasized that Karnataka-trained doctors have earned global recognition for their competence and dedication. “I have travelled to many countries and visited renowned hospitals abroad. In several of them, I have seen Indian doctors, especially those from Karnataka, serving with distinction. The quality of doctors produced here is second to none,” he added.

Serve rural areas, prevent migration to cities

The Chief Minister called upon young doctors to extend quality healthcare services to rural areas and help bridge the urban-rural healthcare gap. “India is at a crucial stage of social and technological transformation. Medical education and healthcare have witnessed tremendous advancements. However, your focus should not remain confined to urban centres alone. By serving in rural areas, you can ensure better healthcare access and prevent unnecessary migration of people to cities,” he said.

Shivakumar also praised Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil for his commitment to the sector and lauded his disciplined approach to governance. He expressed hope that the campaign for a drug-free India, drug-free Karnataka and drug-free campuses would succeed with the active participation of healthcare professionals.

Quality teachers are the strength of a university

Highlighting the importance of quality education, the Chief Minister said that the strength of any university lies not in the number of students or degrees awarded, but in the quality of its teachers.

“Teachers should act as mentors and role models, inspiring students towards research and innovation. Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences has emerged as one of the largest health sciences universities in the country, and the state government remains committed to extending all necessary support for its growth,” he said.

Shivakumar revealed that this was his first public address after assuming office as Chief Minister. Reflecting on his own journey, he said, “I was born into a farming family, became an entrepreneur by profession, an educationist by choice and a politician by passion.”

Karnataka produces around 14,000 doctors every year

Emphasizing Karnataka’s contribution to healthcare and education, Shivakumar said the state produces nearly 72,000 healthcaregraduates annually, including 13,940 doctors every year, making it one of the largest producers of medical professionals in the world.

“Karnataka is not just an IT powerhouse; it is also a hub of talent across various sectors. Bengaluru alone has 2.6 million IT professionals, nearly double that of California. Our state has 72 medical colleges, the highest among all Indian states, and our doctors and nurses are serving with distinction across the globe,” he said.

He credited RGUHS as a cornerstone of Karnataka’s healthcare ecosystem, noting that the university, named after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has produced over eight lakh graduates in the last three decades.

‘Set goals and become role models’

Sharing a personal anecdote, Shivakumar said he could not complete his graduation at the usual age because he entered politics during his student years. He eventually earned his degree from the University of Mysore in 2008 at the age of 47.

“Despite serving as a minister earlier, the joy I felt when I finally received my degree was unmatched. Today, history is repeating itself through you. You are graduating at a time when the world is looking towards India and Karnataka. Set ideals for yourselves, define your goals and strive for excellence. I wish each one of you a bright andsuccessful future,” he told the graduates.