KARACHI: The 27th batch of the Fatima Jinnah Dental College (FJDC) comprising 78 students were awarded BDS degrees at the convocation ceremony recently held at the PAF Museum Functional Hall.
The ceremony was attended by successful students, their proud families, faculty members and college staff.
The panel presiding over the convocation included Prof Dr Ejaz Ahmed Vohra, Prof Dr Saadia Akram, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), Dr Gulrukh Askary, Director of Academics and Head of the Oral Pathology Department at FJDC, Dr Tasleem Hussain, Principal and Head of the Restorative Dentistry Department at FJDC, Dr Sabiha Mirza, Vice Principal and Head of the Pathology Department at FJDC, and Dr Babur Ashraf, Vice Principal and Head of the Orthodontics Department at FJDC.
The evening's chief guest, Prof Dr Ejaz Ahmed Vohra, a prominent figure in the medical domain, is Professor of Medicine and a former director of Postgraduate Clinical Studies at Ziauddin Medical University, Principal at Karachi Medical & Dental College, and Editor-in-Chief of the Pakistan Journal of Medicine and Dental Sciences, on the occasion shared his valuable insights with the audience.
The ceremony commenced with a dignified procession of students adorned in traditional academic attire, followed by the faculty procession accompanied by the guests, each donning their academic regalia. Dr Gulrukh Askary administered the graduates the PMDC oath, symbolizing their commitment to the ethical practice of dentistry.
JSMU Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Saadia Akram conferred the BDS degree upon the 78 graduates of Batch-27, marking the culmination of their academic journey.
The ceremony witnessed the presentation of 208 distinctions to the accomplished graduates across various subjects, with 17 outstanding students receiving gold medals for their exceptional performance. Fourteen shields were also awarded to top-ranking students in the annual university professional exams.
The title of valedictorian for Batch-27 was bestowed upon Dr Ali Moiz, who earned 13 distinctions and 9 gold medals. In his inspiring address, he encouraged his peers to persevere through challenges, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination.
FJDC also took the opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of its staff, honoring Mr Abdul Rehman with the Service Excellence Award for his exceptional contributions to the institution since 2006.
Vice Principal Dr Sabiha Mirza extended heartfelt gratitude to the parents, faculty, and administrative team for their commitment to FJDC.
The ceremony concluded with address of Prof Dr Ejaz Ahmed Vohra, who emphasized the potential of AI in dental care and urged the graduates to embrace social responsibility, enhance their research skills, and deliver dental care with passion and dedication to serve the community at large.