Bhubaneswar, July 1: In a grand event held to mark the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) hosted a celebration on Wednesday honoring the invaluable contributions of the medical fraternity. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, KIIT and KISS Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta expressed deep gratitude to the doctors for their selfless service and described them as being “next to God” for patients who look to them to alleviate their suffering. He urged the medical professionals to continue serving society with unwavering compassion and dedication, while reflecting on the legacy of the legendary physician Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, whose life serves as a guiding inspiration for generations of doctors. Dr. Samanta also noted that while KIMS began as a modest initiative, it has today grown into a nationally recognized institution that has earned widespread societal trust, a feat he credited directly to the praiseworthy contributions of its medical staff.
The celebration also featured vital insights from senior administrative and medical leadership, focusing on both patient care and professional well-being. KIMS Principal Prof. (Dr.) R.C. Das reminded the attending doctors of the critical importance of self-care, stating that “healing the healer” is a collective responsibility to ensure they remain healthy while looking after others, while also acknowledging the students as the true flag-bearers of the institution. Echoing the sentiment of trust, Advisor to the Founder Dr. R.N. Samanta urged future doctors to diligently uphold the high dignity associated with their noble profession. Additionally, KIIT Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emeritus C.B.K. Mohanty reiterated the founder’s core vision of providing equitable healthcare to all individuals, completely irrespective of their financial backgrounds.
Looking toward the future of medicine, the speakers emphasized the need for academic adaptability and continuous research. Prof. Emeritus C.B.K. Mohanty noted that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, molecular biology and the annual introduction of thousands of new drugs demand that faculty members remain lifelong learners, though he stressed that compassion, empathy and evidence-based practice must always remain at the heart of patient care. Delivering the keynote address, Padma Shri awardee and KIMS Prof. Emeritus Y.K. Chawla highlighted that KIMS students stand on par with those from premier national institutes like AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh. He encouraged both students and faculty to maintain academic dynamism to further strengthen the institution’s research excellence.
The event concluded with high-profile recognitions and community initiatives on the campus. Several distinguished medical professionals, including Dr. Panchanan Parida, Dr. Subrat Acharya, Dr. Ramnath Mishra, Dr. Y.K. Chawla, Dr. Shakir Ahmed and Dr. Vineet Ahuja from AIIMS New Delhi, were formally felicitated during the programme for their exceptional contributions, having been featured among the World’s Top 5 Per Cent Scientists in the SciRank Global Index 2025. Commemorating the spirit of the day beyond the auditorium, the medical community also participated in a tree plantation drive across the KIMS campus, which was subsequently followed by a vibrant cultural programme organized by the staff and students.
