The Student Nurses Association of Arulmigu Meenakshi College of Nursing solemnly organized the 18th Lamp Lighting Ceremony for the B.Sc. (Nursing) students on 17 December 2025, marking a significant milestone in the academic and professional journey of aspiring nurses. This time-honoured ceremony, deeply rooted in the legacy of Florence Nightingale, symbolized the formal induction of students into the noble profession of nursing and reaffirmed core values such as compassion, dedication, ethical practice, and selfless service to humanity.
The programme commenced with a serene invocation rendered by the B.Sc. (Nursing) students, invoking divine blessings for the successful conduct of the ceremony. This was followed by a dignified procession by the III Semester students, symbolizing their readiness to assume professional responsibilities. Dr. Prakash, Vice Principal, AMCON, formally welcomed the gathering and extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, chief guests, faculty members, students, and invitees.
The ceremonial lighting of the Kuthuvilakku by the dignitaries marked the auspicious beginning of the event, signifying the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. S. Victor Devasirvadam, Principal, AMCON, who eloquently highlighted the significance of the nursing profession and emphasized the importance of discipline, empathy, professional ethics, and lifelong learning in shaping competent and compassionate nurses. The Presidential Address by Dr. K. V. Rajasekhar, Dean, MAHER, inspired students to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and moral integrity while contributing meaningfully to quality healthcare delivery.
The Chief Guest, Mrs. Santhi Gladston, Professor-cum-Deputy Nursing Superintendent, College of Nursing, Christian Medical College, Vellore, delivered an insightful address, drawing from her vast professional experience to motivate students to embrace accountability, compassion, and evidence-based practice. Adding an international perspective, the Guest of Honour, Mrs. Glory Elias Martin, Clinical Nurse, Armadale Health Service, Western Australia, spoke on global nursing opportunities, professional adaptability, and the evolving scope of nursing practice worldwide. The ceremonial message was delivered by the Special Guest, Dr. Fabiola M. Dhanaraj, Principal, AMCON, who encouraged students to uphold the noble ideals of the nursing profession with dedication and commitment.
A poignant highlight of the ceremony was the Lighting of the Florence Nightingale Lamp, ceremonially led by Mrs. Uma Devi, Nursing Superintendent, MMCHRI, along with the esteemed dignitaries. This was followed by the solemn administration of the Nightingale Pledge by the Guest of Honour, during which the students pledged to uphold the ethical principles, professional responsibilities, and humanitarian values of nursing. The dedication song rendered by the I Semester students added emotional depth and grace to the occasion.
The programme also featured a Prize Distribution ceremony, conducted by Mr. Dinesh Kumar R., Assistant Professor, AMCON, recognizing students’ academic excellence and co-curricular achievements. The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks proposed by Ms. Uma, Associate Professor, AMCON, followed by the National Anthem.
The Lamp Lighting Ceremony was conducted in a serene, disciplined, and dignified manner, leaving a lasting impression on the participants and instilling a strong sense of professional pride, ethical responsibility, and commitment among the budding nursing professionals, as they embark on their journey of service to humanity.
