The 16th convocation of the KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), a deemed-to-be-university in Belagavi, Karnataka, was held on Friday at the KLE Centenary Convention Centre on the JNMC campus. A total of 1,810 degrees were awarded across various disciplines of health sciences and higher education. This included 44 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, 28 super-speciality degrees (DM and MCh), 691 postgraduate degrees, 1,013 undergraduate degrees, and 34 diplomas and fellowships designed to enhance specialised skills through interdisciplinary learning.
The ceremony also saw the conferment of 40 gold medals upon 34 meritorious students, recognising 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 the undergraduate level (BPT) with the highest gold medals.
Convocation Address Highlights
Delivering the convocation address, Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, a renowned gynaecologist and pro-chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, congratulated the graduates and noted that they are 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. Dr Yeravdekar encouraged students to continuously seek knowledge, remain grounded in values, and adapt to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence while preserving the human touch in healthcare.
She highlighted the importance of empathy, communication, and interpersonal skills, stating 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. While awards and accolades are commendable, she added that becoming a good human being and serving society with ethical values truly matters. She further encouraged students to embrace diversity and uphold professional ethics.
Other Speeches and Recognitions
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.
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. This recognition was for 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.
