The 31st Awards & Annual Day of Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education was held on Saturday, 27th February 2021.

“Dream big, Discover and Deliver, these are the three keys to achieve success in career,” said the Chief Guest Dr Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk, who is the Professor & Dean, College of Nursing, Ohio State University, USA.

She congratulated the students for choosing the best profession in the world and also the institution for doing a fabulous job in preparing the nurses for the next generation. She emphasized the need for ramping up our efforts in Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) more rapidly. She highlighted the need for generating the evidence and translating it into practice to improve the health and well-being of the population. She focused on the barriers to EBP in hospital and health care system globally. She stressed that nurses should be taking care of self to care for others.

Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, in his presidential address congratulated the MCON for being one of the finest nursing institutions in the country, its reputation at the international level and for quality research output. He addressed on Ethics in nursing practice. He motivated the prospective nurses to be truthful to the profession and to accept the responsibility with honour and privilege. He also said that we must always be grateful in life for the core values inculcated by our parents, teachers, friends and the institution in meeting societal needs and excelling in life. He stressed on respecting human rights and dignity in the context of culture as the nurses are important members of the health care team and community. He also encouraged to continue serving the patients with a smile on the face, staying connected, resolving conflicts with empathy and patience and enjoying the success of one’s hard work.

Meritorious students of BSc, PBBSc, MSc, MPhil Nursing, Nurse Practitioner in Critical Care and PhD & faculty members for their various achievements were awarded. Ms Jesly Anna James, BSc Nursing batch of 2016-20 was awarded the Best outgoing student.

Dr Ramesh C Lecturer, MCON Manipal was awarded with prestigious Dr TMA Pai Gold Medal for Outstanding Research Publication during the year 2020.

Dr Judith Angelitta Noronha, Associate Dean and Professor, Department of OBG Nursing, MCON, Manipal welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest. Dr Anice George, Dean Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal presented the Annual report of the college. Dr Sushmitha Ramona Karkada, Assistant Professor and Convener of the Annual Day program proposed the vote of thanks. Mr Anil Raj A, Lecturer, compered the formal program.

The formal function was followed by a captivating multicultural entertainment program by the students and faculty of the college.