First-Year Dental Students Begin Their Academic Journey with White Coat Ceremony

Chandigarh, December 11, 2025: Dr Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, today conducted the White Coat Ceremony for the first-year BDS and MDS students of the 2025 batch at the University Auditorium.

About 120 students, along with their parents, faculty and staff of the Dental Institute, attended the event. After receiving their white coats from the dignitaries, the students undertook the Maharishi Charak Shapath oath, reaffirming ethical responsibility and patient care.

The White Coat Ceremony is held every year at the Institute to familiarise new students with their responsibilities and the expectations placed upon them. The ceremony marked the formal entry of students into the profession of dentistry and emphasised their commitment to patient care and ethical practice.

The Director of Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, New Chandigarh, Prof Ashish Gulia, handed over the white coats to the BDS and MDS students. In his address, Prof Gulia encouraged students to adopt a broad vision, uphold the ethos of the Charak Shapath, and embrace empathy and neutrality in their practice. He also highlighted stress management and staying grounded as essential for success.

PU Dean University Instructions, Prof Yojna Rawat, stressed the need for hard work, discipline and responsibility for success.

PU Registrar, Prof Y. P. Verma, emphasised that success in dentistry is driven by commitment, adaptability and the integration of technology.

Director Research, Prof Meenakshi Goyal, urged the students to nurture curiosity and a questioning mind, as these qualities are vital for innovation in the profession.

PU Controller of Examinations, Dr Jagat Bhushan, noted that excellence in dentistry is a continuous pursuit and students must keep learning to evolve, combining technical skills with empathy and righteousness for true healing.

Welcoming the guests, the Director of the Institute, Dr Deepak Kumar Gupta, impressed upon the students the significance of donning the white coat and the responsibilities that come with it. He assured them of the Institute’s commitment to nurturing growth, discipline and professional excellence.

Earlier, the event commenced with the welcome of dignitaries, followed by the University Anthem, Saraswati Vandana and the lighting of the lamp, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and service.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks, celebrating not only academic achievements but also the values of integrity, compassion and lifelong learning, laying a strong foundation for the future of dental care.