The 21st Convocation of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru was held on 27th December 2016.
Shri H. N. Ananth Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation Address. Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and President, NIMHANS presided over the ceremony in the august presence of Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education, Government of Karnataka & Vice-President, NIMHANS and Dr. A. S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who was the Guest of Honour.
The Chief Guest, Shri Ananth Kumar, in his convocation address, urged the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare to grant aid to the tune of Rs. 200 crore for setting up the proposed north campus of NIMHANS. He also assured that the Mental Healthcare Bill would be passed during the upcoming budget session of the Parliament.
Delivering the presidential address, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda lauded the efforts of NIMHANS in undertaking National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), one of the largest mental health “Research and Action” oriented studies in recent times. He called for massive sensitization programmes considering the huge burden of mental, behavioural and substance use disorders, in India. He also assured extending all possible support for the (proposed) establishment of the north campus of NIMHANS and the modern trauma care centre.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. A. S. Kiran Kumar, in his address, stressed the importance of inclusive approach in strengthening the health care services and technology. He said that ISRO had been successful in utilising its satellites to provide cost-effective and high quality telemedicine facilities in rural areas. With newer technology coming in, there’s a necessity for doctors and engineers to come together for breakthroughs in healthcare sector, he added.
Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil, who also spoke on the occasion, said the District Mental Health Programme was launched in Karnataka considering the growing need for mental and behavioural health services. He also added that the psychiatrists had been appointed in more than 20 districts and plans are afoot to train all doctors working in government hospitals on mental health.
As many as 168 students (141 in person and 27 in-absentia) were awarded various degrees (post-graduate degrees, doctoral and post-doctoral degrees, diplomas and fellowships) on successful completion of their academic programmes at the Convocation. Ten medicos were honoured with special awards for their exemplary performance in various streams.