Lamp lighting is a tradition followed by all Nursing graduates to remind them on the noble traditions of their profession. This tradition commemorates the star of nursing, Florence Nightingale, who was seen in the dark alleys with a lamp while caring for the injured soldiers of the Crimean War.

A total of 99 first year BSc Nursing students received the light from the Chief Guest, Dr. Raja A, Principal, Unity Academy of Education, Mangaluru, Dr. Anice George, Dean, MCON, Manipal, Dr. Judith A Noronha, Associate Dean, MCON, Manipal and Mrs Deena Prabhavathi, Nursing Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal which was followed by the oath taking ceremony of the novice nurses.

Chief Guest, Dr Raja commended the students for taking nursing profession, which provides inevitable impact for a patient’s recovery. He said, with the increased consumer awareness and technology usage, there is a dire need for the nurses to develop right attitude, presence of mind, empathetic listening and effective communication to provide passionate nursing care. He said, the young budding nurses should imbibe the message “I Care 2” which indicates Introduction of self, Care others as you want to be cared by others, Ask your patient what they need, Respect for patients privacy and dignity, Empathy, and finally spend 2 minute time with your patient.

Dean Dr Anice George, in her address to the students emphasized the need for promising to be sincere to themselves and being sincere to patients and to be responsible to patient health. She urged the students to make use of all opportunities that are given by this esteemed University for the growth of their student life.