June 22, 2011
School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri
 

“We have witnessed a rapid growth in the field of Ayurveda,” stated Shri. A. P. Anil Kumar, Minister of Tourism, Kerala. “In our state, the number of Ayurvedic colleges, hospitals and dispensaries are increasing day by day.”
 

The honorable minister was addressing graduating students at the Amrita School of Ayurveda.
 

Organized in honor of the second batch of students graduating with degrees of Bachelors in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), the ceremony brought together proud parents, friends and faculty members at the campus.
 

“We should bring back the richness of Ayurveda to our lives,” the Minister added. “We have to focus on research in this field. Doctors like you should be able to do that.”
 

Highlighting the dharma of an Ayurvedic doctor, Br. Shankara Chaithanya, Medical Director, said, “We cannot consider anyone with a stethoscope, as a real doctor. Only one who has the right attitude and compassion for the suffering, and knowledge to help the sick, is fit to be considered as a true doctor.”
 

Sampoojya Swami Gyanamritananda Puri, blessed the graduating students, speaking to them about the Ayurvedic tradition and their duty.
 

“Ayurveda Shastra was revealed as the universal truth to our ancient sages and scholars,” he stated. “Just as a mother responds to the cries of her child, a doctor must understand the needs of the patient, and deliver the best treatment possible with a compassionate approach.”
 

Invited chief guest, Padmashree Dr. K. Krishnakumar, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Coimbatore, also spoke to the graduating doctors. “Serve your country and serve the patient,” he told them.
 

Dr. Krishnakumar also exhorted the students to take up the cause of research in Ayurveda.
 

Amrita’s Dr. Mattakkara Ramachandran Nair and Dr. Jyothilal who were recently honored with the Ashtangaratna and Dhanwanthari awards respectively from the Kerala State Government were felicitated at the gathering.
 

Dr. B. Syamala, Professor and Principal, presented the degree certificate to the graduating doctors.
 

“We are so proud to graduate from the Amrita School of Ayurveda, shared Dr. Agatha M., student representative of the graduating batch. “We offer our sincere gratitude to Chancellor Amma, who has been our guiding light throughout.”
 

The program concluded with a colorful display of cultural programs put forth by students in honor of their graduating seniors.