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Modi's pep talk makes docs laugh

Don't forget the tea seller on campus, PM tells graduates
Last Updated 21 October 2014, 03:47 IST

“I am surprised why I got this opportunity to speak. I am neither a doctor nor a patient,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the audience at the 42nd convocation of AIIMS on Monday.

The remark drew a round of laughter from 562 students who were given their degrees at the function.

“I got this opportunity as I am the Prime Minister and in our country we (politicians) are everywhere,” he added.

Modi’s speech had its light moments when he asked the students why they were all looking so serious, and that they should enjoy now since they have studied so hard. His tea seller connection was touched upon too.

Students should never forget the tea seller’s face on campus from whom they bought the hot beverage after waking up at odd hours, he said.

Modi spoke of India lacking in medical research as doctors are often unable to keep pace with change. He said it is necessary for medical professionals to constantly update themselves as the world of medical sciences is changing fast. The same books may not be just enough.

“You may become professors one day and pass on the same books to others saying this is what I have been teaching.”

For research, it is needed that doctors are aware of the case history of patients and that they focus on minute details. This might also help one become a research scientist, he added.

Modi also spoke of the difference between a good and a bad doctor: “While one strikes a chord with the patient, the other treats the ill mechanically.”

Doctors should also be careful of their actions so that patients can follow them. “For example, one specialising in cancer should not be smoking the whole day,” Modi said.
On the occasion, six former faculty members of AIIMS were given lifetime achievement awards for their contribution to the institution and medicine.

Those given the lifetime achievement awards include G P Talwar, Founder Director of National Institute of Immunology; Dr J S Guleria, former dean of faculty and former head of department for general medicine at AIIMS, and P N Tandon, Founder President of the National Brain Research Centre. Tandon started the neurosurgery department at AIIMS.
 
Referring to senior members, Modi said students graduating from the institution should remember to keep “the student in them alive”.

He said even today these faculty members are updated on the latest developments in medicine.

“The moment people, especially those belonging to the medical profession fraternity, feel that their learning period is over, they stagnate and get stuck in obstacles.”
DH News Service

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(Published 21 October 2014, 03:47 IST)

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