Dr SM Balaji, Hon’ble Member, Dental Council of India, was the chief guest for the 3rd Graduation day at Tagore Dental College. Upon arrival at the college, he was warmly received by Prof Chitraa R Chandran, Principal, Prof S Balagopal, Vice Principal-Academics and Prof CJ Venkatakrishnan, Vice Principal-Administration. Prof Mala, Correspondent of Tagore Dental College also honored him with a bouquet.
The convocation was a grand affair and all the graduands had assembled at the auditorium of the college. Prof SM Balaji addressed the students with his usual mix of brevity and humor. He emphasized to them the need to adopt a holistic approach towards their chosen profession as they embarked upon their career in dentistry.
His speech reiterated to them the importance of teamwork as they stepped out into the world from the protective cocoon of their college lives. Teamwork is what elevates the individual to higher levels was a recurring theme in his address to them. He spoke about his career as a researcher and the urgent need for continued research in all specialties of dentistry.
The students listened in rapt attention as he narrated snippets from his life about interactions with patients who left their mark on him and how he attained such great heights in his career as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He spoke about the passion and dedication he has towards attaining even greater heights and provided valuable tips to the students on how to build a successful career.
Another important aspect he spoke about was about developing skills that would help in alleviating the sufferings of patients. He spoke about his various cleft surgical missions to the lesser developed regions of the world and how this acted as a spur to make him pursue this with a zeal and passion that has remained unabated over the years. “Never be discouraged by circumstances, but learn to master them” he extolled them at the conclusion of his speech.
Following this, Dr SM Balaji presented Certificates of Excellence to meritorious students for their academic excellence throughout their period of study in the college.
