Chikkaballapur: At a time when medical education can cost students crores of rupees, providing free medical training to underprivileged students is a remarkable achievement, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok said.
He was speaking at a white coat ceremony held for 50 students at the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Muddenahalli. The students constitute the fourth batch admitted this year, including 29 women.
Ashok said that despite having served in several ministerial positions, he had been unable to secure even a single free medical seat for a student. He praised Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai for providing free medical education to economically disadvantaged students, describing the initiative as an example of selfless service. He added that the ceremony, held during Navaratri, made the occasion particularly significant.
MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy appreciated the institution for combining modern medical education with lessons on the Vedas, Upanishads, Indian culture and heritage. He said there was a growing realisation that wealth should be accompanied by meaningful contributions to society, adding that greater emphasis would be placed on social service and helping the poor.
Service as a path to spirituality
Delivering a benediction, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai said that overcoming ego and serving others was one of the simplest paths to spirituality. He said medical students who became competent doctors could serve millions of people over their lifetimes.
Supporting the institution’s restrictions on mobile phone use, he said staying away from such devices helped students concentrate on their studies. He also noted that all students had secured distinction or first-class results.
The 50 newly admitted students took a pledge to dedicate their medical careers to social service. They resolved to use their knowledge for society’s welfare, uphold ethical standards in their profession and provide selfless medical care to economically disadvantaged and marginalised communities.