The 41st Convocation of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) was held on April 17 with Dr. Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth, Chairman of the National Medical Commission and President of the National Board of Examinations, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, as the Chief Guest and delivered the convocation address. The Pro-Chancellor Mr. R. V. Sengutuvan conferred degrees on 902 graduates, including Ph.D., postgraduate, and undergraduate students in medical, engineering, and management disciplines. Chief guest presented 53 gold medals to meritorious students. Dr. Janavi Sridhar bagged three gold medals for outstanding performance in MBBS examinations.
While speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abhijat said that patients approach doctors with fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability. Listening to them with kind words can be more powerful than even the most advanced medical treatment. While technology will continue to transform healthcare, empathy will always remain at the heart of good medical practice.
He urged the graduates to constantly refine their clinical skills and actively engage in research and innovation. The nation needs doctors who are not only competent but also compassionate and socially responsible. He also advised them to firmly adhere to the moral and ethical values of the medical profession. Behind every doctor stands a community that has believed in and supported them, he added.
Presenting the annual report, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Uma Sekar highlighted the institution’s academic and research achievements for 2025–26. With funding support from Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC-DBT), Government of India, the university is currently incubating over 40 start-ups in areas such as digital health, diagnostics, medical technologies, clean energy and waste management.
The university has surpassed 14,034 publications, with over 1,56,000 citations and an impressive H-index of 111. In 2025, 1,811 publications were added, reflecting strong research momentum. Additionally, 65 patents were filed, 29 published and 3 granted, along with 71 copyrights. The Centre for Toxicology and Developmental Research (CEFTE) continues to play a vital role in postgraduate teaching and pre-clinical research. Notably, it remains the only centre in the country with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) accreditation and is currently undertaking 22 funded research projects, she added.
Trustee, Sri Ramachandra Educational & Health Trust Mrs. Samyuktha Venkataachalam, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Mahesh Vakamudi, Dean, Medical College Dr. K. Balaji Singh, Registrar Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, Dean Research Dr. P. Venkatachalam, Controller of Examinations Dr. R. Padmavathi, Director, Finance & Accounts Mr. J. Ravisankar and other Heads of Departments were among those who participated in the event.
