4 February 2008—Amrita University, Cochin Campus

We, the first batch of 96 MBBS interns visited Amritapuri on 3rd February 2008 to seek the blessings of our beloved Amma, the chancellor of Amrita University, prior to our graduation ceremony to be held at AIMS on 4th February. In spite of her busy schedule, Amma gave us some of her valuable time. When Amma called us for darshan, one of us took the initiative and prayed to Amma to hand over the certificates to each student after blessing them. All students clad in their best attire moved swiftly with smiling faces to receive the fruit of their five years of hard work from Amma.

Amma blessed each certificate and showered us with flower petals as she handed them to us. She also placed chocolates in our mouths. It was an opportunity of a life time, a dream turned into reality.

Amma enquired about our future plans and once again made us realize that our lives are meant for serving humanity. Then Amma stressed the importance of taking careers in research, finding newer modalities for treatment of cancer, TB and genetic engineering. She also stressed the importance of women to take up surgical specialties like cardio-vascular thoracic surgery, head and neck surgery, neurosurgery and plastic surgery, where women are few in number. This inspired all of us to view life in a different perspective.

Finally, we took group photographs with Amma. This probably was the last time we would get an opportunity to be with our beloved Amma as a batch. We will always cherish these experiences with Amma in the years to come.

The next day, Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, was the Chief Guest for our graduation ceremony.
On this auspicious occasion, our parents, teachers and mentors were overwhelmed with joy and happiness. It was a time for celebration. Each one of us is proud to be a student and a “doctor”  graduating from Amrita School of Medicine.

by Dr. Amal Das & Dr. Merlin Mary Thomas