Chhattisgarh CM Sai urges graduates to serve humanity as Governor Deca warns against ‘popcorn mental state’

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday said that a university convocation marks more than the completion of an academic journey. It is also a moment for graduates to commit themselves to serving society and humanity with knowledge, responsibility and compassion.

Addressing the fourth convocation ceremony of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Memorial Health Sciences and AYUSH University, Sai said the degrees awarded to students reflected years of hard work, discipline and dedication. He urged the graduating healthcare professionals to uphold ethical values and use their skills to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in tribal and remote regions of the state.

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Governor Ramen Deka, who presided over the ceremony, used the occasion to caution young people against the growing challenge of digital addiction. He also warned against what he termed a “popcorn mental state”, saying the culture of instant gratification driven by excessive screen exposure was weakening people’s ability to think deeply, concentrate and make informed decisions.

More than 9,000 students received degrees during the convocation. The university awarded 9,194 degrees across various disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, Ayurveda, homoeopathy, physiotherapy, nursing, medical biotechnology and BASLP. The graduating batch comprised 7,545 undergraduate students, 1,645 postgraduates and five super-speciality degree holders. Students who excelled academically were honoured with gold medals.

Speaking on the social impact of digital dependence, Deka said the problem was no longer confined to individuals but was increasingly affecting family relationships and community life. He observed that excessive reliance on digital platforms often creates only temporary satisfaction while diminishing the capacity for reflection and meaningful engagement.

The Governor said determined efforts could significantly reduce digital addiction within a matter of weeks. He encouraged parents to keep children engaged in sports and outdoor activities instead of allowing excessive dependence on mobile phones and digital devices. According to him, reduced physical activity and limited interaction with the outside world were also affecting children’s overall development and resilience.

Turning to the medical profession, Deka reminded the graduates that healthcare is not merely a career but a lifelong commitment to serving humanity. He said doctors carry a special responsibility towards society and must always place patients’ welfare above personal interests. He urged young medical professionals to uphold the dignity associated with the white coat and maintain the highest standards of ethics throughout their careers. Patient care, he said, must remain the central focus of every medical decision.

The Governor also called for a revival of the traditional family doctor and neighbourhood physician system, saying trusted community-based healthcare remains invaluable despite advances in medical technology. Referring to emergency care, he noted that timely decisions taken during the “golden hour” often determine whether a patient survives.

Highlighting rapid technological changes in healthcare, Deka said today’s graduates belong to the internet era and will practise medicine in a constantly evolving environment. Artificial intelligence and telemedicine, he said, are opening new possibilities for expanding quality healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved regions.

On World Environment Day, he appealed to the students and citizens to participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign by planting trees. He said maintaining balance between human beings, animals and nature was a shared responsibility that required collective action.

In his address, CM Sai said that society places immense trust in doctors and healthcare professionals. Describing them as the future guardians of public health, he said their role would be crucial in ensuring better healthcare access across the state, especially in underserved areas. He encouraged the graduates to combine professional excellence with empathy, innovation and social commitment. The state government, he said, would continue supporting efforts to strengthen healthcare services and create opportunities for young medical professionals.

The Chief Minister also said that Chhattisgarh should strive to establish itself not only as a state known for agriculture and mineral resources but also as a centre of knowledge, research and innovation. He added that the achievements of students contribute not only to their personal growth but also to the state’s progress and the university’s reputation. Highlighting investments in healthcare infrastructure, Sai said that a state-of-the-art MediCity is being developed over 100 acres in Nava Raipur with a planned capacity of more than 5,000 beds. The project is expected to become a major centre for advanced healthcare services in the region.

He said that work is also progressing on strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the Raigarh and Surguja divisions through new medical facilities. The government’s goal, he added, is to ensure that people can access quality treatment within Chhattisgarh rather than travelling outside the state. Sai noted that a 240-bed super speciality hospital has already become operational in Bastar, improving access to advanced healthcare in a region that remained underserved for many years. Expanding quality healthcare services across the state, he said, remains one of the government’s highest priorities.

The Chief Minister also referred to recent gains against Maoist insurgency in Bastar. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, security forces and local residents for creating conditions that have accelerated development in the region. CM Sai stated that the areas that once housed security camps are now being transformed into “Seva Deras” to provide basic services to local communities. Under the Agrani Bastar initiative, officers are spending time in villages and addressing public grievances directly at the grassroots level, he added.

Public Health and Medical Education Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal described healthcare as one of the noblest forms of public service and outlined the state’s efforts to expand medical infrastructure and strengthen medical education. National Medical Commission expert and convocation speaker Dr Ved Prakash Mishra also addressed the gathering.