KMC Hospital Mangalore Celebrates Vision and Values at the 2025 Dr Sudarshan Ballal Oration
Mangaluru: KMC Hospital Mangalore successfully hosted the Dr Sudarshan Ballal Oration 2025 on December 9, 2025, at the Dr TMA Pai International Convention Centre in Mangalore. The event featured a keynote address by Shri N. R. Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys, who spoke on the theme of “Emulating a high-class professional like Dr Sudarshan Ballal.” Organised by the Department of Nephrology at KMC Mangalore, the oration convened thought leaders, academic heads, healthcare experts, and members of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education for an evening dedicated to reflection, dialogue, and a tribute to Dr Ballal’s lasting impact on medical professionalism.
The oration attracted a significant gathering of distinguished individuals, underscoring the academic importance the event has garnered over the years. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor – MAHE, served as the Chief Guest. Guests of Honour included Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE; Dr Dilip G Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Mangalore Campus; Dr Sunil Karanth, Chairman, Critical Care Services, MHEPL; and Dr Anand Venugopal, Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, presided over the program. Also in attendance were senior institutional leaders Dr B Unnikrishnan, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore; Dr Sushanth Kumar, Professor – Dept of Nephrology; Dr Mayoor V Prabhu, Head – Dept of Nephrology; and Dr Ashok Bhat, Additional Professor – Dept of Nephrology.
Dr Sudarshan Ballal, reflecting on the event, stated, “It is heartening to witness this oration continue to serve as a platform for learning and thoughtful exchange. The presence of so many respected individuals reinforces the values of compassion, integrity, and responsibility that are fundamental to the practice of medicine.”
In his keynote address, Shri N. R. Narayana Murthy commented, “Dr Ballal’s journey embodies a synthesis of professional excellence and human values. His example serves as a reminder that leadership, in any domain, is founded on humility, dedication, and a commitment to service.”
Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor – Manipal Academy of Higher Education, shared his thoughts on the gathering, adding, “The 2025 oration highlighted the critical importance of meaningful dialogue in the advancement of the medical fraternity. It provided a valuable opportunity to revisit the principles that guide our approach to healthcare practice, research, and education.”
The event underscored the significance of continuous learning and the enduring relevance of values that underpin ethical and patient-centred medical practice. Attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose, reaffirming the oration’s role as a forum that promotes dialogue, recognises contributions, and strengthens the academic and clinical community.
About Manipal Hospitals
Manipal Hospitals, a pioneer in the healthcare sector, ranks among the leading healthcare providers in India. With a focus on delivering affordable, high-quality healthcare services, Manipal Hospitals serves over 8 million patients annually. Its integrated network spans across India, encompassing 49 hospitals in 24 cities, with a total of 12,600 licensed beds. Manipal Hospitals employs a skilled workforce of over 11,000 doctors and more than 34,000 employees.
Manipal Hospitals offers comprehensive curative and preventive care to a diverse patient base from around the world. Manipal Hospitals holds AAHRPP accreditation, and the majority of its hospitals within the network are accredited by NABH, NABL, ER, and Blood Bank, and are recognised for Nursing Excellence.