Azim Premji Champions Education and Healthcare as Pillars of Society at RGUHS Convocation

Bengaluru, May 6, 2025 – Azim Premji, the revered philanthropist and founder-chairman of Wipro Ltd., delivered a powerful address at the 27th Annual Convocation of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in Bengaluru, emphasizing that health and education are not mere industries but foundational services critical to building a just and vibrant society. Speaking to a gathering of graduating healthcare professionals, dignitaries, and faculty, Premji urged young doctors to prioritize public health and serve vulnerable populations, reinforcing the ethos of integrity and social responsibility in their careers.

A Vision for Health and Education

Premji’s speech underscored the intrinsic link between health and education as the bedrock of a strong nation. “Health and education are the foundations of a good society and a country. These are fields of service, not business,” he stated, drawing a clear distinction between profit-driven enterprises and sectors that demand a commitment to societal welfare. His words resonated with the audience, particularly in the context of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its public health and education systems.

Highlighting the critical role of public health, Premji called for greater investment in preventive and community health services. “Public health systems and primary care may not seem the most exciting to young professionals, but they are far more critical to a population’s health than the most sophisticated superspeciality care,” he said. He urged the graduates to channel their expertise into strengthening these foundational areas, both as individuals and as part of a collective national effort.

A Call to Serve the Vulnerable

In a heartfelt appeal, Premji encouraged the graduating healthcare professionals to dedicate time to serving marginalized communities. “Every citizen in India deserves the best possible health and education, regardless of what they can pay,” he asserted. Recognizing the demands of modern medical careers, he offered practical advice: “If you cannot dedicate your entire career to such service, find ways to contribute part of your time. If you work in a big city or a corporate hospital, go to the slums and serve in your own time.”

Premji emphasized that healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to give back to society, given the opportunities and education they have received. “None of us have succeeded solely through our own efforts – society has invested in us through institutions and opportunities, and we have an obligation to give back,” he said, framing service as both a duty and a privilege.

Integrity in Service

Drawing from his extensive experience in the business world, Premji stressed that honesty and integrity are non-negotiable in fields like health and education. “Though I share my experience from the world of business, honesty and integrity are even more critical in fields of service,” he noted. This call for ethical practice was particularly poignant for the young graduates, who are entering a profession where trust and accountability are paramount.

Celebrating Academic Excellence and Contributions

The convocation, presided over by Karnataka Governor and RGUHS Chancellor Thaawarchand Gehlot, was a moment of celebration for 63,982 candidates who received degrees across various disciplines, including 54,517 undergraduates, 8,588 postgraduates, 82 PhD scholars, and others in super-specialty, fellowship, and certificate programs. The overall pass percentage stood at an impressive 87.49%, reflecting a 5.06% improvement in undergraduate medical course results compared to the previous year.

Three eminent figures in health sciences—Dr. Hombe Gowda Sharat Chandra (Genetics and Evolution specialist), Dr. Girish Rao (Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon), and Dr. G.T. Subhas (Neurologist)—were conferred with the Honorary Doctorate Degree ‘Doctor of Science’ (Honoris Causa) for their exceptional contributions. Their recognition highlighted the convocation’s theme of excellence and service in healthcare.

RGUHS: A Beacon of Medical Education

RGUHS, established in 1996 by the Government of Karnataka, is India’s largest medical university and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. It plays a pivotal role in regulating and promoting higher education in health sciences across the state. Vice-Chancellor Bhagavan B.C. attributed the university’s consistent academic improvements to an evolving curriculum, effective teacher training programs, and innovations like competency-based medical education and learning management systems introduced post-pandemic.

The university’s commitment to quality education was evident in the stories of its top performers. For instance, Girish, a gold medalist in the AYUSH streams, shared how he overcame personal loss to excel academically, finding solace in music and inspiration in books like The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. Another topper, who led across Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Yoga disciplines, credited her success to systematic preparation and access to research materials facilitated by her college librarian.

A Broader Context of Social Good

Premji’s address aligned with the mission of the Azim Premji Foundation, which has been working since 2001 to foster a just, equitable, humane, and sustainable society through education, health, and livelihoods. His remarks at RGUHS echoed his broader philosophy, as seen in his earlier speeches, such as at the NIT-Trichy convocation in 2020, where he emphasized the importance of contributing to society beyond personal success.

As India grapples with disparities in access to healthcare and education, Premji’s message served as both a reminder and a call to action. By framing these sectors as services rather than businesses, he challenged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of compassion and integrity in their professional journeys.

Looking Ahead

The 27th Annual Convocation of RGUHS was not just a celebration of academic achievement but a platform to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders. Azim Premji’s words left an indelible mark, urging young professionals to view their roles as opportunities to transform lives and strengthen the nation. As the graduates step into their careers, they carry with them a powerful mandate: to serve with purpose, prioritize the vulnerable, and build a healthier, more educated India.

Sources: The Hindu, Deccan Herald, The Economic Times, Bangalore Mirror