AIIMS New Delhi 51st Convocation Highlights Expansion and Innovation in Medical Education by 2029
The 51st Annual Convocation Ceremony of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi recently marked a significant milestone in India’s medical education and healthcare landscape. The event celebrated the awarding of 523 degrees across a spectrum of programs including undergraduate, postgraduate, super-specialty, doctoral, nursing, and allied health sciences. Additionally, 18 medals, book prizes, and certificates of appreciation were presented to meritorious students, acknowledging their exceptional academic achievements.
Visionary Address by Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda
Congratulating the graduates, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda emphasized that the convocation symbolizes more than just the completion of studies; it represents a bridge connecting seven decades of dedicated service with a future shaped by digital innovation. He underscored AIIMS New Delhi’s distinguished legacy, describing it as a brand synonymous with excellence rather than merely an academic or healthcare institution.
Highlighting the expanded responsibilities of AIIMS New Delhi, Shri Nadda affirmed its crucial role in mentoring new AIIMS institutions across India. He also elaborated on the institute’s strong commitment to research, revealing that more than 900 extramural projects are underway, funded to the tune of Rs. 300 crores, alongside over 150 intramural research initiatives.
Achievements and Global Recognition
Shri Nadda noted that AIIMS New Delhi consistently tops the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), a testament to its disciplined culture of excellence. The latest QS World University Rankings highlighted AIIMS’s rise to 105th globally for Medicine, up from 145th two years prior, placing the institution at the forefront of India’s medical education and edging nearer to the global top 100.
Government Initiatives and Infrastructure Development
The Health Minister highlighted that the Government of India has invested over Rs. 2,800 crore in upgrading AIIMS’s infrastructure in the past 11 years. The number of AIIMS institutions has expanded from 7 to 23 nationwide, alongside a growth in medical colleges from 387 in 2014 to approximately 825 today. Committed to further growth, the government plans to create an additional 10,000 undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats between 2025 and 2029.
Shri Nadda urged the new graduates to become guardians of national health, emphasizing that while basic education is a right, professional medical education is a privilege bestowed by society. He called upon them to build upon the strong foundations laid by their mentors and families to shape the future of healthcare in India.
Vice President Shri C P Radhakrishnan’s Address: Celebrating AIIMS’s Legacy and Innovations
The Vice President of India, Shri C P Radhakrishnan, praised AIIMS New Delhi for its sustained excellence in medical innovation and affordable world-class patient care over the past 70 years. He cited AIIMS’s vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic and its pioneering medical innovations as evidence of its trusted brand and resilience.
He detailed the vast scale of AIIMS operations, with over 50 lakh outpatient visits annually, emphasizing the unmatched quality of care provided, especially to underprivileged patients. Shri Radhakrishnan also emphasized the global impact of AIIMS professionals who hold top positions in leading institutions worldwide.
Technological Milestones and Collaborations
A highlight of the year includes the world’s first live remote tele-robotic ultrasound performed on a person stationed at the Maitri Research Station in Antarctica. Experts used AI-powered robotics remotely from 12,000 kilometers away to deliver life-saving diagnostics, illustrating how technology overcomes geographical barriers.
The Vice President also announced the inauguration of the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health, enhancing global collaboration in brain health and digital medicine. This center positions India as a global hub for clinical innovation by pooling the brightest minds from both nations.
Accolades and Academic Contributions
Shri Radhakrishnan highlighted the prestigious recognitions earned by AIIMS faculty members including multiple Padma awards and the inclusion of 56 AIIMS scientists in Stanford University’s 2025 list of the world’s top 2% scientists. He reiterated that the expansion of AIIMS institutions nationwide embodies not only improved access to healthcare but also the integration of the country.
Lifetime Achievement Awards and Leadership Presence
During the convocation, AIIMS New Delhi honored five distinguished former faculty members with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their outstanding contributions to medical science, education, research, and patient care:
- Dr. (Prof.) T. P. Singh: Pioneer in X-ray crystallography and structure-based drug discovery.
- Dr. Shashi Wadhwa: Noted neurobiologist and former Dean (Academics).
- Dr. S. C. Tiwari: Pioneer in nephrology and renal care innovations in India.
- Dr. (Prof.) R. C. Deka: Distinguished ENT surgeon and former Director of AIIMS.
- Dr. V. S. Mehta: Pioneer of brachial plexus surgery in India.
Key AIIMS leaders including Prof. Nikhil Tandon (Director), Prof. Radhika Tandon (Dean), and Prof. Girija Prasad Rath (Registrar) were present, alongside faculty members and students.
Conclusion
The 51st Annual Convocation of AIIMS New Delhi not only celebrated the achievements of its graduates but also underscored the institute’s leading role in shaping India’s healthcare future through education, research, innovation, and infrastructure development. With government support and cutting-edge technology, AIIMS continues to expand access to quality medical education and healthcare services, preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the evolving challenges of the industry.
