- 17 October 2026, Wardha
Respected Shri Devendraji Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Chief Guest of today’s ceremony; our distinguished guests Dr Abhijat Sheth, Hon’ble Chairperson of the National Medical Commission; and Dr Pankajji Bhoyar, Hon’ble Minister of State, Government of Maharashtra, and Guardian Minister of Wardha and Bhandara districts; distinguished dignitaries on and off the dais; members of the University’s statutory bodies; our Vice Chancellor, Deans, faculty and staff; members of the media; proud parents; and, above all, my dear graduating students.
Namaskar.
It gives me immense happiness to welcome you to the 17th Ceremonial Convocation of Adani Institute of Higher Education and Research, Deemed to be University—our first convocation under this new name. Today, we celebrate not just academic achievements, every degree comes with a promise and responsibility. It comes with a responsibility that carries opportunities to use this knowledge to improve someone’s live better.
To our graduating students and medal winners, my heartfelt congratulations. To your parents and families, thank you for your sacrifices and unwavering support. To our teachers, clinicians and staff, my sincere appreciation for guiding these young minds with care.
I extend a special welcome to our Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Devendraji Fadnavis. Sir, it is a moment of immense pride for all of us to confer upon you our first honoris Causa, Doctor of Letters, (D.Litt.), under the name of AIHER. That the very first degree awarded by AIHER bears your name makes this occasion truly historic. Your presence encourages us to contribute more deeply to Maharashtra’s progress through education, research and healthcare, particularly in Vidarbha.
We are also honored to confer an Honoris Causa, Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) upon Dr Abhijat Sheth in recognition of his contribution to healthcare and medical education. I thank him and Dr Pankajji Bhoyar for joining us on this special occasion.
I pay respectful tribute to our Founder Chancellor, the late Shri Dattaji Meghe. Over more than three decades, his vision created opportunities for students and brought healthcare within reach of families, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Shri Sagarji Meghe, Shri Sameerji Meghe and the entire university team helped carry that vision forward. We honour their contribution and will strengthen this legacy of quality education, affordable healthcare and compassion.
The coming together of this institution and the Adani Foundation reflects a shared commitment to service. Inspired by Shri Gautam Adani’s vision, the Foundation’s work in education, health, nutrition, livelihoods and community development offers a strong foundation for our next chapter.
For me, the guiding principle of this journey is simple: “Seva hi sadhana hai.”
Service is a path of devotion, expressed through the work we do every day.
In our University, this means a teacher supporting a struggling student, a nurse preserving a patient’s dignity, a researcher seeking answers that relieve suffering, and a healthcare team reaching a village in need. This is the culture we must nurture.
Over the next two years, we are committed to enhance hospital infrastructure, with particular emphasis on modern equipment, advanced clinical research facilities and stronger super-specialty services at our Wardha and Nagpur campuses.
Alongside these improvements, we will put in place a roadmap for applied research development and the establishment of centres of excellence. Our research will focus on the needs of our communities, including prevention, early diagnosis, affordable treatment and better maternal and child health.
Our vision also extends to developing campuses across India, bringing quality education, research and affordable healthcare to more regions. Each campus will respond to local needs while upholding our shared standards and values. Wardha and Nagpur will remain central to this journey.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will guide our priorities in health, education, gender equality and inclusion. Through preventive care, community outreach, support for disadvantaged students and responsible use of resources, we must ensure that our progress benefits those who need it most.
My dear graduands, people will turn to you for knowledge, judgement and reassurance. Honour that trust. Listen carefully, respect every person’s dignity and offer care with compassion. A patient may forget your technical explanation, but remember whether you made them feel heard. Use artificial intelligence and emerging tools wisely, examine evidence and seek help when needed. Your degree marks a beginning; continued learning will give depth to your work.
As Chancellor, I invite our faculty, students, alumni and partners to share responsibility for this future. With the Adani Foundation’s support and our collective dedication, let us build a university that India is proud of, the world respects and people trust for knowledge and care.
I once again congratulate all our 2,320 graduands including 123 PhD Scholars, 83 medal winners and their families. May you leave with confidence in your abilities, humility in your conduct and compassion in your work.
Carry the spirit of this University with you. Let “Seva hi sadhana hai” find
expression in the lives you touch. Thank you. Jai Hind.
