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Manipal : One of the most anxiously awaited occasions in any college is its annual day. It represents the grand finale of various enriching events held throughout the year.The Annual Day and Awards Ceremony of Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal was scheduled on March 14, 2020 but could not take place due to COVID -19 Pandemic lockdown.  Six months into the pandemic and with no respite seen to come in the near future, it was decided to convert the adversity into an opportunity by conducting the ceremony virtually on 30^th October 2020

The different segments of the event were recorded and compiled and streamed as a live event at 6 pm on 30^th October simultaneously on Microsoft Teams and MAHE You Tube channel. Over1000 viewers watched the live event.

The ceremony started with the unveiling of curtains.Soulful rendition of invocation by DrRashmiNayak, Professor of Pediatric Dentistry and the dance “Shubhaaramb” performed and recorded by students of second year at their homes gave an auspicious beginning to the ceremony.

DrKeerthilatha M Pai,Dean welcomed the audience and presented the Annual Report documenting the achievements of the faculty and students, the research activities, international affiliations and the academic,social and cultural events that were organized by the institution.

MrsVasantiR Pai, TrusteeManipal Academy of Higher Education trust was the Chief Guest of the event. In her message she advised the students to be resourceful, wise and virtuous to ensure a future endowed with all round development not only for themselves but also to the world. She urged them to make good use of the opportunity of studying at Manipalto shape their destiny on a firm footing. She wished the graduating students a bright professional career.

Dr HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, was the Guest of honor. In his address he hailed the staff and students for the top ranking of MCODS, Manipal in the recent NIRF ranking. He attributed this to the quality and dedication of the faculty and students of the institution. He advised the graduating students to establish themselves as enlightened citizens and to contribute in the development of the profession.

Lt General Dr M DVenkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Guest of honor commended the graduating students for their perseverance and dedication that has brought them to this point in their lives. He advised them to focus on integrity, transparency, quality, teamwork and execution with passion, which are the core values of MAHE and also that human values and societal commitment should guide them in their future. He stated that these characters in their lives would make them global citizens and they would excel in their chosen field anywhere in the world. He advised them to stay connected with their alma mater, teachers and fellow students and to enjoy the success of their hard work.

Dr P L N G Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor- Health Sciences, MAHEpresided over the function. In his address, helauded the students for their commitment and hard work that enabled them to achieve their goal of becoming dentists.  He reminded them that although their hard work played an important role in their success, there were other key players whothey have to appreciate -their parents and teachers. He stated that education is not just knowledge and skill but the overall development of an individual that also includes the right attitude. He said thatatMCODS, teachers incorporate all the three components while teaching students. He asserted that to be successful one must be innovative and should not fear failure.Self-confidence and Hard work are the best medicines to kill the disease called failure. He advised the students to be Life- long learners and to be professional in whatever they do and live by the motto of MAHE- inspired by Life.He encouraged the students to stay connected with their alma mater and ensure that the name of Manipal is held in high esteem

DrVasudevBallal, Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics was awarded the Dr T M A Pai Gold medal for the best research paper for the year 2019 and the FAIR award for the highest number of Research points. Dr Sunil S Nayak and DrAnupam Singh won the awards for the Best Teaching Aids. Good teacher award wasconferred on 20 teachers for excellence in teaching

DrSohamMitrawas conferred the Best Outgoing Student Award for the year 2019.The class and subject toppers of all the four years of the BDS course and students who excelled in sports and extracurricular activities were recognized and awarded. 

DrKeerthilatha M Pai, Dean administered the pledge of commitment to the graduates

“RePen - The Pen Box”, an innovative project towards reducing plastic menace was launched on the occasion by the Chief Guest MrsVasanti R Pai with an intention of creating awareness to reduce and refuse single use pens, reuse refillable pens and recycle which cannot be reused. DrVidyaSaraswathi M, Associate Dean gave a brief overview of this initiative and informed that Muliya Foundation has made an initial contribution of Rs 10,000 in support of this initiative

DrRajvi Seth presented the Student Council Report and Dr Jonathan Koshy delivered the response from the graduating batch of students.

DrVidyaSaraswathi, Associate Dean proposed the vote of thanks. DrAnanddeep Shukla and DrShruthi Acharya gracefully compered the entire program.The ceremony concluded with a mesmerizingdance performance by the faculty and a video presentation by the graduating batch.