Naharlagun, Jun 28: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.) graced the Graduation Ceremony of 2019 MBBS Batch of Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) as Chief Guest at the TRIHMS Complex, Naharlagun on Saturday. The Governor presented graduating certificates to 46 students, including 29 from Arunachal Pradesh.
Congratulating the graduates, Parnaik called the ceremony a milestone for the young doctors as well as for society. He commended their perseverance, sacrifices, and dedication, reminding them that their white coats symbolize achievement and, at the same time, a lifelong commitment to serve humanity with empathy, integrity, and skill.
The Governor advised the graduating doctors to uphold the principle of ‘Service before Self, stating that medicine is a moral calling as much as it is a profession. He urged them to serve where they are needed the most, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and to remain lifelong learners, grounded in humility and guided by ethics.
Parnaik emphasised that real education begins now, beyond textbooks in hospital wards, health camps, and patient interactions. He encouraged the young doctors to wield knowledge with humility, balance science with compassion, and let empathy be the foundation of their healing journey.
Commending Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences for its role as a vital pillar of healthcare in Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor expressed appreciation for Director Dr. Moji Jini and the faculty for their dedication in shaping the next generation of medical professionals. He said that TRIHMS has rapidly emerged as a hub for education, innovation, and service in the state.
Highlighting the Government of India’s healthcare vision under Viksit Bharat@2047, the Governor stressed the need to align with national priorities by augmenting infrastructure, expanding rural outreach, and embracing technology in education. He advocated for integrating Artificial Intelligence, telemedicine, and digital health platforms into the curriculum, alongside modules on soft skills, ethical practices, and cultural sensitivity.
The Governor made a special mention of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for healthcare, stating that the Prime Minister has consistently championed a holistic and patient-centric approach. He highlighted the national commitment to the ‘Heal in India’ initiative, which aims to make the country a global hub for wellness and medical excellence. He also highlighted the Prime Minister’s emphasis on leveraging technology in healthcare, such as digital health IDs and telemedicine, to bridge gaps in accessibility, especially in remote regions, and reduce the financial burden on citizens.
Addressing the TRIHMS faculty, Parnaik urged for dual focus, i.e., upgrading teaching infrastructure while nurturing compassionate, community-minded doctors. He called for mandatory rural rotations and stronger partnerships with local health systems to address the healthcare gap in remote areas.
Dean and Principal, TRIHMS, Dr. Shyamal Bhattacharya, administered the Oath to the graduating students of the 2019 MBBS Batch.
State Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge, Rajiv Gandhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. K. Nayak, TRIHMS Director, Dr. Moji Jini, and Dr. Mika Umpo also spoke on the occasion.
As topper in the batch, Hage Sonya (2020-21), Tsering Pema, (2021-22), Prem Lata (2022-23), Smile (2023-24) and Dr. Badal Kumar Pandit (2024-24) received the Minoti Riba Memorial Gold Medal in Anatomy as topper of their batch in their respective years from the Governor on the occasion. Resum Kamki (2020-21), Dibyadarshi Suman (2021-22), and Dr. Phancha Wangsu (2024-25) received the Nirmali Taba Memorial Gold Medal in ENT. Dr. Indira Moyong of Roing, Lower Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh of the 2019 -20 MBBS Batch received the award as the Topper in Final Year MBBS Examination held in 2024.
Dr. Angellie Kahmei and Dr. Sushamanka Das received their Diploma certificate for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, while Dr. Animesh Namdeo and Dr. Millo Apo received their Diploma certificate for Anaesthesiology. Dr. Lenong Lego received Diploma certificate for Radiodiagnosis and Dr. Taru Tari received Diploma certificate for Radiology from the Governor on the second Graduation Day ceremony of TRIHMS.