Mangaluru: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (KMC, Manipal), the flagship institution under MAHE, marked its 70 years of establishment (1953-2023) through platinum jubilee celebrations with grandeur and festivity at KMC Greens, Manipal. The event, a reflection of KMC’s longstanding commitment to medical education and healthcare services, was a vibrant confluence of students, alumni, faculty, and dignitaries.
The Chief Guest for the occasion, Dr Kishore Mulpuri, MBBS, MSc, FRCSC, Professor and Head of the Department of Orthopaedics at The University of British Columbia, Canada and an esteemed alumnus of KMC, graced the event with his presence. Dr Mulpuri, in his address, shared his journey and experiences, highlighting how KMC played a pivotal role in shaping his career. He also paid tribute to Dr TMA Pai and his family for their invaluable contributions to the institution and the field of medicine.
The celebration was further elevated by the presence of distinguished Guests of Honour including Mrs. Vasanti R. Pai, Trustee, MAHE Trust, and key figures from MAHE such as Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), Dr P Giridhar Kini, Registrar, and Dr P.L.N.G. Rao, Advisor. Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, presided over the event alongside Dr Padmaraj Hegde, Dean & Team KMC, Manipal.
The jubilee event unfolded with an array of activities including the presentation of “Memoirs of Manipal,” a heartfelt welcome address by Dr Padmaraj Hegde, and a poignant floral tribute to the late Dr TMA Pai by Mrs. Vasanti R. Pai. The program also featured felicitations of heads of various departments and hospital administrators, the unveiling of the Platinum Jubilee Logo, and insightful discussions about KMC’s historic achievements and its vision for the future.
KMC, Manipal acknowledged the following Past Deans and their immense contribution to KMC, Manipal since its inception – Dr N Mangesh Rao (1953 – 1955), Dr RP Koppikar (1956 -1963), Dr A Krishna Rao (1963 -1985), Dr P Laxminarayana Rao (1985 -2001), Dr RSP Rao (2001 -2007), Dr Sripathi Rao (2007-2013), Dr G Pradeep Kumar (2013 -2015), Dr Poornima Baliga B (2015 -2017), Dr Pragna Rao (2017-2019) and Dr Sharath Kumar Rao (2019 -2022) and felicitated the past Deans/ their representatives on this historic event for leading KMC, Manipal to being ranked the best medical college in private sector.
While Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor spoke about the illustrious growth of KMC in the past 70 years, Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor mentioned about the outstanding achievements of KMC that places it in the top in academics and health care sector.
Dr Sharath K Rao , Pro Vice Chancellor (Health sciences) spoke about the vision of KMC for future, re-enforcing its commitment to advancing medical education and health care.
Adding to the academic and commemorative elements were cultural and entertainment programs, encapsulating the spirit and legacy of KMC, Manipal. The event was not only a celebration of the past seven decades but also an affirmation of KMC’s unwavering dedication to excellence in medical education and healthcare services.
The event ended with vote of thanks by Dr Padmaraj Hegde, Dean and Associate Deans Dr Anil K. Bhat, Dr Krishnananda Prabhu, Dr Kanthilatha Pai and Dr Naveen Salins to all the faculty and students involved for the success of the platinum jubilee celebration.
