Bhubaneswar: Emphasizing that doctors are “next to God” for patients, KIIT and KISS founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta on 1st July, 2026 expressed gratitude to the medical fraternity for their selfless service and urged them to continue serving society with compassion and dedication.
Addressing the National Doctors’ Day celebration at KIMS, Dr. Samanta said the occasion was an opportunity to acknowledge the immense contribution of doctors to society and remember the legacy of renowned physician Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, whose life continues to inspire generations of medical professionals.
“Doctors are the instruments to alleviate the sufferings of patients. I am happy with the contribution of the doctors of KIMS. We started KIMS in a small way, but today it has grown into a nationally recognised institution that has earned the trust and respect of society. Your contribution is highly praiseworthy,” he said. Speaking on the occasion, KIMS Principal Prof. (Dr) R.C. Das called upon doctors to take care of their own health while serving others. “Healing the healer is equally important. It is our collective responsibility to keep ourselves healthy and hearty,” he said, adding that students are the true flag-bearers of the institution.
Advisor to the Founder Dr R.N. Samanta described doctors as being regarded as second only to God by patients and urged future doctors to uphold the dignity and trust associated with the profession.
KIIT Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Emeritus C.B.K. Mohanty reiterated the Founder’s vision of providing equitable healthcare irrespective of a patient’s economic background. He urged faculty members to remain lifelong learners, noting that rapid advances in artificial intelligence, molecular biology and the introduction of thousands of new drugs every year are transforming medical science. At the same time, he stressed that compassion, empathy and evidence-based medical practice must remain at the heart of patient care.
Mohanty also delivered the keynote address while Padma Shri awardee Prof Emeritus at KIMS. Y.K. Chawla highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, research and innovation in medical education. He said KIMS students are on par with those from premier institutions such as AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh, and encouraged both faculty members and students to remain academically active and strengthen research excellence.
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 of AIIMS New Delhi, were felicitated during the programme. They feature among the World’s Top 5 Percent Scientists in SciRank Global Index 2025. As part of the celebrations, a tree plantation drive was organised on the campus, followed by a cultural programme.
