Shri J P Nadda at NIMHANS Convocation: True to philosophy of ‘development for all’, health being embedded in growth story of India

‘True to philosophy of ‘development for all’, health is being embedded in the growth story of India’. This was stated by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Shri J P Nadda, at the 20th Convocation ceremony of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), at Bengaluru today. He further stated that India is at an exciting phase of development and being recognised at various global platforms to be charting an impressive growth curve. Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affair, and Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation was also present at the ceremony.

Congratulating the graduating students, the Health Minister applauded their hard work, diligence and industriousness and stated that this was a momentous day for them which marked the threshold of an even more arduous and exciting expedition. He echoed the words of Swami Vivekananda while guiding them in their journey ahead: “we have the power to make ourselves” and never forget to “take risks in your life, if you win, you can lead! If you lose, you can guide!”

In his ceremonial address, the Union Health Minister stated that NIMHANS has always been a leader in the country and its work is recognised globally as well. NIMHANS does not just rest on its laurels but strives to continuously improve and innovate. Apart from being recognised as an Institute of National Importance, its list of recent achievements makes all of us proud of NIMHANS, Shri Nadda said. Acquiring the facilities like Gamma knife, fMRI, PET – MRI, MEG, proteonomics laboratory are some examples, he pointed out, adding that initiating a comprehensive centre for rehabilitation, centres for addiction medicine, well-being, public health, legal aid, brain bank are indeed trendsetters.

Shri Nadda stated that NIMHANS for taken steps to host the genetic and cellular repository of patients with mental health problems which is the first of its kind in India. This futuristic vision heralds the utilisation of existing and emerging cutting edge technologies, and this will go a long way in understanding the biology of mental disorders, he pointed out. The repository is being built under the prestigious and aspirational mission of the Prime Minister under the program `Accelerating the application of Stem cell technology in Human Disease’, Shri Nadda informed. This is a giant collaborative effort that involves eminent and premier Indian institutions including NIMHANS, NCBS, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, among others.

The Health Minister also stated that NIMHANS is successfully blending the traditional with the modern systems of health care. Over the past years, the AYUSH centre at NIMHANS has thoughtfully and diligently developed an evidence base for integrating Yoga therapies for mental and neurological problems. Shri Nadda added that this is the right time to look for its expansion and to mainstream these approaches in healthcare. “I am sure Yoga has much to offer in helping us manage these conditions. I would like NIMHANS to suggest methods and mechanisms that would further facilitate this integration”, he said.

Also present at the convocation ceremony were Dr K Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of ISRO, and Prof. B.N. Gangadhar, Director and Vice Chancellor, Registrar Dr.Sekar and former Director and Vice Chancellor Prof. P. Satishchandra.