KAHER convocation: 1,810 degrees conferred, 40 gold medals awarded

Belagavi: The 16th convocation of the KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), deemed-to-be-university, Belagavi, Karnataka, was held on Friday at the KLE Centenary Convention Centre, JNMC campus in Belagavi. A total of 1,810 degrees were conferred across diverse disciplines of health sciences and higher education. These included 44 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, 28 super-speciality degrees comprising DM and MCh programmes, 691 postgraduate degrees, 1,013 undergraduate degrees, and 34 diplomas and fellowships that strengthen specialised skills in interdisciplinary learning. The conferment of 40 gold medals upon 34 meritorious students reflected recognition of their academic excellence, dedication and outstanding achievements.

Dr Aditya Porwal from JN Medical College secured the highest number of gold medals at the undergraduate level (MBBS), while Dr Anastasia A Carvalho topped at the undergraduate level (BPT) with the highest gold medals.

Congratulating the graduates during the convocation address, Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, renowned gynaecologist and pro-chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, said the graduates were entering a rapidly evolving world filled with opportunities and challenges. She emphasised that healthcare extends beyond medicine and requires a deep understanding of people, cultures and society. She encouraged students to continuously seek knowledge, remain grounded in values and adapt to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while preserving the human touch in healthcare.

Dr Yeravdekar highlighted the importance of empathy, communication and interpersonal skills, noting that these are as vital as professional competence. She urged graduates to listen carefully to patients, spend time understanding their concerns and practise medicine with compassion and integrity. She added that while awards and accolades are commendable, becoming a good human being and serving society with ethical values truly matters. She further encouraged students to embrace diversity and uphold professional ethics.

Dr Lalitbhushan S Waghmare, vice-chancellor of Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DMIHER), Sawangi (Meghe), stressed the importance of ethical values, sustainability and social responsibility.

Dr Sandeep Shrivastava, vice-chancellor of KAHER, presented the University Report for the academic year 2025–26. Dr Prabhakar Kore, chancellor of KAHER, presided over the ceremony.

The KAHER also conferred an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree on Dr Leonard G Gomella, MD, FACS, professor and chair emeritus of urology at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Thomas Jefferson University (TJU), Philadelphia, USA, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to urologic oncology, particularly his pioneering clinical work and research in micrometastasis and shed cancer cells.

KAHER registrar Dr VM Pattanshetti, controller of examinations Dr Chandra S Metgud and members of the board of management were present at the ceremony.