Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the Third Convocation Ceremony of AIIMS Raipur on September 2, 2026, addressing the graduating students and highlighting the institution's significant role in regional healthcare development. He emphasized that the convocation represents not just celebration but responsibility, as graduates will be entrusted with the health, trust, and lives of the people of India.
AIIMS Raipur, established in 2012, has evolved into a major tertiary-care institution serving Chhattisgarh and neighboring states, including rural and tribal communities. The Vice President noted the institute's medical achievements, including performing Chhattisgarh's first swap kidney transplant, achieving more than 95% success in kidney transplantation, and conducting renal and corneal transplants and ear implants. The institution has received approval for a heart-transplant program, representing another important milestone.
The growth of AIIMS Raipur reflects the broader transformation of Chhattisgarh, which has emerged from decades of challenges including difficult geography, inadequate connectivity, and Left-Wing Extremism. The Vice President attributed this transformation to the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the strategic resolve of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the committed leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. He stated that the Naxal menace has been brought to an end through strong political will, firm security policy, and development-oriented governance.
Regarding educational achievements, the Vice President highlighted the expansion of higher education over the past twelve years and specifically noted the significant increase in women's participation in higher education. Female enrolment has risen from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to 2.24 crore in 2023-24, representing a 42.2% increase. At the AIIMS Raipur convocation, 376 women and 313 men received degrees.
The Vice President called upon graduates to always say "No to Drugs" and contribute to building an India where technology reaches the last citizen and every young Indian can aspire to a better future. He expressed hope that Chhattisgarh's transformation would become an important chapter in the larger journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, emphasizing that this national vision can only be realized when every state, district, and village develops.
Other dignitaries present included Governor of Chhattisgarh Shri Ramen Deka, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers Smt. Anupriya Patel, Chhattisgarh Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Raipur MP Shri Brijmohan Agrawal, President of AIIMS Raipur Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Handa, and Executive Director AIIMS Raipur Retired Lieutenant General Ashok Jindal. The Vice President also conferred gold medals and certificates on meritorious students during the ceremony.