Karnataka governor, Azim Premji stress on public service, ethical practice at university convocation

Bengaluru: The 27th annual convocation of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) Tuesday echoed a powerful message of ethical practice and public service: Azim Premji, chairman of Azim Premji Foundation, and Karnataka governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, along with medical education minister Sharan Prakash Patil, called upon graduating students to give back to society and uphold the highest standards of integrity in their professional lives.As many as 63,982 students graduated in the field of health sciences, marking close to 87.5% pass percentage for the year. Out of these, 93 students secured gold medals. Premji said: "The privileges of better education, professional training or relative wealth come with great responsibility towards our fellow citizens. None of us succeeded solely through our efforts — society invested in us through institutions and opportunities, and we have an obligation to give back. In your profession, you are uniquely positioned to contribute, whether in a large city or a small village." The ethical practice for these graduates is doing what is right for the patients, he reminded them. "Even if you work in a big city or a corporate hospital, go to slums and serve in your own time," he added.Speaking about his growth in business into IT, where he did not go astray from the values of honesty and integrity that his parents inculcated in him, he said: "The most important form of honesty in business is being honest with the customer and delivering what you committed to them. Over the years, I realised this is easier said than done. It requires understanding your capacity, communicating it to the customer (even in the face of competition), and delivering on it, and if a mistake is made, having the courage to admit it and correct it."The minister's address bore a similar tone. "People come to you with great hope and trust. Always remember to be ethical in your practice. Working in the govt sector has greater satisfaction. If you work selflessly, there is greater life satisfaction. Happiness comes from giving and not taking," he said. He also reiterated the plans to establish govt medical colleges in every district. "An individual must always serve others before oneself. I hope you become good citizens and parts of society, not just good practitioners," concluded the governor. — Sathvi G Bhat