From White Coat to World Class Care: A Momentous Ceremony at Washim

On a crisp morning in Washim, a profound ritual unfolded at the campus of the newly‑formed Washim Government Medical College — the inaugural “White Coat” Ceremony for its first batch of medical students. At the heart of the event stood two distinguished figures: Dr Satish B Deopujari, invited as Guest of Honour, and the Chief Guest, Shri Yogesh Kumbhejkar (IAS), Collector of Washim.

Dr Deopujari took to the podium with his trademark ease, welcoming the fresh‑faced students into the world of pediatrics and healthcare. He reminded them that each white coat carries not just symbolic prestige, but the profound responsibility of caring for lives in small‑town wards and large‑city ICUs alike. He referenced his own career of innovation, service and mentorship: how every early step leads to lasting impact.

Then came Shri Kumbhejkar, a young‑minded administrator whose own story resonates with purpose and precision. A graduate of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, he transformed a corporate engineering career into a civil‑service one—he secured All‑India Rank 8 in the 2016 UPSC exam. BYJU’S+2The Times of India+2 His brief profile on the district website affirms his role as District Collector & Magistrate of Washim. washim.gov.in In his address, he emphasized the crucial intersection of health, education and governance—and urged the medical students to stand as torch‑bearers for rural communities, not just urban centres.

The white‑coating itself, as the students filed onto the stage wearing crisp white lab coats under bright stage lights, created a vivid tableau of hope and responsibility. Dr Deopujari personally helped some students don their coats, symbolising the transition from student to professional. Shri Kumbhejkar presented the official memento of the ceremony, reinforcing the institution’s promise to serve not just the region but the nation.

In closing, Dr Deopujari extended his gratitude to the institution, the administration and the students for inviting him to share in this milestone. Shri Kumbhejkar thanked the parents, faculty and students for their trust, and encouraged the students to carry both compassion and innovation into every patient interaction.

The day marked more than a ceremony—it marked a promise: that the next generation of doctors in Washim will enter their white coats not only educated and skilled, but inspired and accountable.