ESIC Medical College celebrates foundation day, women’s day

ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Kalaburagi celebrated its foundation day closing ceremony in conjunction with International Women’s Day at the college auditorium here on Tuesday.

Delivering the welcome address, dean of the institution S.V. Kshirsagar highlighted the achievements and steady growth of the medical college and hospital.

He also outlined the various initiatives undertaken during the ESIC Foundation Day Special Services Fortnight, which included activities aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, raising awareness and encouraging staff engagement.

Dr. Kshirsagar praised the contribution of women in strengthening ESIC’s healthcare services and thanked the women employees of the institution, including doctors, nurses, faculty members, administrative personnel and housekeeping staff, for their dedication and compassionate service towards patient care and institutional development.

A video presentation on the institution’s journey showcased its milestones and the efforts of staff and faculty in promoting quality medical education and healthcare services.

The programme featured the felicitation of chief guest Bhagyashree Patil, who is an associate professor at MR Medical College, Kalaburagi, and guest of honour Arundhati Patil, who is a professor in the same institution.

Special recognition was also given to Megha Shivakumar, who is the External Member of the Internal Complaints Committee, for her service to the institution.

Several women employees were also honoured for their contribution.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Bhagyashree Patil said that International Women’s Day is observed to ensure women receive equal recognition and respect in society.

She referred to Constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 19 and 21 and emphasised that these provisions uphold equality and fundamental rights for women.

She also cited historical figures such as Akkamahadevi and Rani Lakshmibai as examples of courage and leadership and encouraged women to follow the theme of the day, Gain to Give, by empowering themselves and supporting others.

Dr. Arundhati Patil spoke about the challenges women have historically faced and stressed that empowerment begins with self-respect and responsibility.

She said that equality does not mean sameness but balance between men and women, where both contribute to society in different ways.

She also underlined the need for clean and accessible public facilities and called for zero tolerance towards disrespectful behaviour against women.

Prizes were distributed to women participants for their performances in competitions such as quiz, rangoli, reels-making and abstract painting organised as part of the celebrations.

The presentations and a cultural programme by women staff members were part of the event.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dean of ESIC Dental College and Hospital, Kalaburagi, Prashant Patil. This was followed by the singing of Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.

Medical Superintendent H.S. Kadlimatti, Deputy Medical Superintendent K.P. Padmaja, Academic Registrar I. Amruta Swati, Principal of ESIC Paramedical College Santosh Biradar, Principal of ESIC College of Nursing P.M. Pratibha, Joint Director Laxmi Narayan Meena, Deputy Director Ramniwas and Deputy Nursing Superintendent (in charge) Nagaraja G.B. were among those present.