Mangaluru: KMC Hospital Mangalore hosted the Dr Sudarshan Ballal Oration 2025 on 9 December at the Dr TMA Pai International Convention Centre, where Shri N. R. Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys, delivered an inspiring keynote address on “Emulating a high-class professional like Dr Sudarshan Ballal.” The event, organised by the Department of Nephrology, brought together academic heads, healthcare leaders and members of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) for an evening dedicated to reflection, dialogue and professional values.

Distinguished leaders attend the academic gathering

The oration drew a strong attendance, reflecting its academic importance. Chief Guest Lt Gen (Dr) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor – MAHE, addressed the gathering, accompanied by Guests of Honour Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor – Health Sciences; Dr Dilip G Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor – MAHE Mangaluru Campus; Dr Sunil Karanth, Chairman – Critical Care Services, MHEPL; and Dr Anand Venugopal, Chief Operating Officer – MAHE.

The programme was presided over by Dr H. S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor – MAHE. Senior institutional leaders, including Dr B. Unnikrishnan, Dean, Kasturba Medical College Mangaluru; Dr Sushanth Kumar; Dr Mayoor V. Prabhu; and Dr Ashok Bhat from the Department of Nephrology, were also present.

Keynote highlights values, humility and service

Reflecting on the occasion, Dr Sudarshan Ballal expressed gratitude, noting that the oration continues to inspire meaningful learning and conversation.
In his keynote address, Shri N. R. Narayana Murthy observed, “Dr Ballal’s journey represents a blend of professional excellence and human values. His example reminds us that leadership in any field rests on humility, dedication and the willingness to serve.”

Dr H. S. Ballal added that the oration serves as a vital reminder of the principles that shape healthcare practice, research and education, emphasising the importance of dialogue within the medical fraternity.

Reinforcing a culture of ethical and patient-centred care

As the event concluded, attendees noted the renewed sense of purpose the oration instilled—strengthening the community of clinicians, educators and researchers committed to patient-centred and value-driven healthcare.

About Manipal Hospitals

As one of India’s leading healthcare providers, Manipal Hospitals serves more than 8 million patients annually, with a pan-India network of 49 hospitals across 24 cities, 12,600 licensed beds, and over 34,000 employees, including 11,000+ doctors. The network is accredited by AAHRPP, with most hospitals holding NABH, NABL, Emergency Room and Blood Bank accreditations, supported by industry-recognised nursing excellence standards.