PU organises White Coat Ceremony for First-Year Dental Students

Chandigarh, November 27, 2024: Panjab University (PU) today organised a White Coat Ceremony for the new batch of undergraduate (BDS) and postgraduate (MDS) students at Dr. Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital.

As many as 215 undergraduate and postgraduate students embarked on their academic journey with the White Coat Ceremony, which marks the formal entry of students into the noble profession of dentistry, symbolising their commitment to excellence in patient care and ethical practice. The highlight of the event was the ceremony itself, where each student ceremoniously donned their white coat, presented by the dignitaries on stage. The students then recited the professional Oath (Charak Shapath), pledging to uphold honesty, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to learning and patient care.

The event was graced by Vice-Chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences Faridkot, Prof. (Dr.) Raieev Sood; PU Registrar, Prof. Y.P. Verma; Director of the Research and Development Cell at PU, Professor Savita Bhatnagar; PU Controller of Examinations, Prof. Jagat Bhushan and Dental College Principal, Dr. Deepak Gupta. The faculty of the Dental Institute and the parents of students also participated in the prestigious ceremony.

In his address, Dr. Rajeev Sood highlighted the transformative changes in education under the National Education Policy (NEP). He emphasised the shift from marks-oriented learning to skill refinement and encouraged students to embrace innovation, research, and the integration of AI in healthcare.

The Guest of Honour, Professor Y.P. Verma spoke about the trust symbolised by the white coat. Drawing from ancient wisdom, he motivated students to pursue knowledge as the foundation of a righteous and fulfilling professional journey. Professor Savita Bhatnagar, Director of the Research and Development Cell, urged students to anchor their professional growth on compassion and dedication, preparing to face the challenges and joys of a career in dentistry.

Earlier, the programme commenced with a warm welcome and an inspiring address by the Principal, Dr. Deepak Gupta, who emphasised the symbolic significance of the white coat. He described it as a representation of professionalism, empathy, and dedication to the art and science of dentistry. The parents and students were also introduced to the Institute’s state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and inclusive learning environment designed to foster both academic and personal growth. The event concluded with an interactive session, allowing students and their parents to engage with the faculty, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the Institute.

This ceremony not only celebrated the students' first step into the profession but also set the tone for their transformative journey in dentistry, underscoring the values of innovation, empathy, and excellence.