Manipal College of Dental Sciences celebrates College Day

Manipal : Ranked number one in the country for seven consecutive years by several surveys, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal celebrated the College Day and Awards Ceremony in its golden jubilee year on Saturday at the Chaitya Hall of Fortune Inn Valley View here. The first private dental college in Asia started in 1965 drew a loud applause from students and parents when Manipal University Vice Chancellor, Dr H. Vinod Bhat announced that as per the QS Ranking, MCODS was amongst the best 50 to 100 dental colleges in the world.

That made the College Day memorable, and the Chief Guest Dr K. Byrappa, Vice Chancellor Mangalore University while congratulating the students said that they were fortunate to be graduating from the best dental college. “Graduating from Manipal University known for its international collaborations and commitment to research, makes you all proud I am sure,” he said.

While congratulating the outgoing students he told them that they have chosen a noble profession to serve humanity. He narrated his own experiences, particularly how he got exposed to nanotechnology, to enumerate how dedication and commitment to a profession was important.

His message to the graduating students was to develop a mind to serve the rural folk. “Every one of you should go to a rural centre, a rural place and see the condition of the rural people in India and see what best you can do. That will be a great contribution to the country as a doctor. Contribute to the rural health care development,” he said. He also urged them to show passion and love for the profession they have chosen.

DR Vinod Bhat in his speech congratulated MCODS for doing exceedingly well. He said, “There is a world of difference between, to be considered one of the best and to be considered the best. MCODS has come a long way from being number two to some other dental college, to being number one in the country by all surveys. More importantly, MCODS is between the 50 th and 100 th rank amongst all dental colleges in the world by QS Ranking.” And added; “This fits very well with the vision 2020 of Manipal University to find a place among the best 200 universities in the world”.

Dr Nirmala.N.Rao Dean of MCODS, Manipal present the annual report at the start of the annual day. The report had all the ingredients to show why the dental college is perceived to be the best in the country. Awards for academic, research, cultural and sport achievements were distributed. And the student who stole the show was Dr Tan Loon Han.

He was awarded the prestigious Dr Sundar J Vazirani memorial gold medal for best outgoing student for his consistently outstanding performance. He also bagged several other endowments award for being the subject topper. Undergraduate students who secured highest in their individual subjects were also rewarded. The Dr T M A Pai Gold medal for best research was awarded to Dr Vasudeva Ballal, Additional Professor Conservative Dentistry and endodontics. In addition, teachers were awarded for excellence in Teaching also.

MCODS Manipal, pioneers in many academic activities was also the top institution in innovation. The first patent was granted to faculty of MCODS for 'improved dental Luting Cement' by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. Of India. Along with the faculty achievements, Dr G. Subraya Bhat, Associate Dean welcomed the gathering and Dr Dhanshekar Balakrishnan professor and head of prosthodontics gave the vote of thanks.