ASCI Hyderabad organized the Convocation Ceremony for PGDM Batch 4 and PGDM (Hospital Management) Batch 17.

The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) Hyderabad organized its convocation on the 15th of November 2024, at 11 a.m., at its College Park Campus with great élan and grandeur for PGDM Batch 4 and PGDM (Hospital Management) Batch 17.
At this convocation, a total of 54 PGDM and PGDM (Hospital Management) students were conferred with their respective Post Graduate Diplomas.
Smt Preeti Sudan IAS (Retd), Chairperson-UPSC and former Health Secretary, Government of India, is the chief guest of the ceremony. She delivered the convocation address, distributed certificates, and bestowed special medals and awards.
The welcome address was given by Prof. (Dr.) Nirmalya Bagchi, Head, ASCI Business School and Director, PGDM , and the special address was given by Dr N Ramesh Kumar, IAS (Retd), Director General-ASCI.
In a special address at the ASCI convocation ceremony, Dr. N Ramesh highlighted the institution’s dedication to molding the future leaders of tomorrow. He emphasized that ASCI takes great pride in not just providing a learning environment, but in creating a happy and stress-free space that fosters both personal and academic growth.
“Education is a powerful tool that opens minds and instils a degree of confidence,” Dr. Ramesh said. “We are committed to helping you excel in whatever path you choose. Embrace the principles of management with passion and strive to create value for your organizations and employers. Infuse these values into the very culture of the institutions you join.”
Addressing the Management students, particularly those specializing in Healthcare Management, Dr. Ramesh underscored the critical role they play. He urged them to find innovative solutions and create a healthcare ecosystem that addresses the needs and challenges of those who seek their help.
He said Healthcare management should adhere to the principles of Six Sigma. Our goal should be Six Sigma and beyond, striving for excellence and continuous improvement.
In closing, Dr. Ramesh congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence in their respective fields.
In her Convocation Address, Smt. Preeti Sudan shared inspiring examples from her extensive experience as a civil servant, particularly highlighting her tenure as the Health Secretary of India during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She expressed mixed emotions upon returning to ASCI, reminiscing about her own training at the institute and her role as a panelist. Through her stories, she drew out valuable lessons from her experiences. She recounted the challenges of managing the first wave of Covid-19, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of life and how Covid caught the world off guard. Even today, the origins of Covid remain uncertain, a mystery not yet solved by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Smt. Sudan advised the students to follow their instincts. She recalled advising states to be vigilant and initiating the Covid screening process from January 17, 2020. She underscored that real leadership lies in collaboration, noting that together, great things can be achieved. Despite facing backlash from WHO and others for measures like airport screening and border closures, the government’s leadership provided full support, boosting their confidence.
Continuous learning and making mid-course corrections are essential, she stressed. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, active listening, and empathy, she reminded everyone that every individual in an organization is valuable and their voices should be heard. During the Covid crisis, the motto within the Health Ministry was “Save our Country.”

Smt. Sudan highlighted the significance of values and ethos, urging students to always remember the sacrifices of their parents. She noted that the most important positions are those where one can make a significant difference.
Addressing the plight of migrant laborers during Covid, she pointed out the lack of records on their numbers across the country. She recounted how many began walking to their home states, prompting the government to start special trains and other services. She praised the nobility of Indian people, who came forward to provide food and shelter to migrant workers. Their actions during the pandemic offered valuable policy lessons. She contrasted this with the situation in the US, where people looted malls for essentials.
Advocating for rising above for the common good, she stated that health is not just about medicines but overall well-being. She encouraged students to think big, start small, collaborate, and be sensitive to social issues. Making a difference and remembering the contributions of parents and teachers is crucial.
Smt. Sudan shared her experience with the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme, aimed at changing mindsets. Though her expertise was in financial management, she learned the importance of social issues. During the scheme’s planning, Gram Sabhas were held, allowing everyone, not just IAS officers, to speak. She mentioned the Piplantri village in Rajasthan, known for planting 111 trees for every girl child born.
She concluded by wishing the outgoing students a bright and meaningful future.
Following the Convocation address by the Chief guest, Director General of ASCI Dr N Ramesh Kumar conferred the completion certificates to the students.
Smt Preeti Sudan distributed the awards and the medals to the following students:
Mr B Sai Mounish Reddy received the Gold Medal, Ms Srijita Sinha received the second position, and Mr Sreepal Reddy received the third place from PGDM, Batch 4
From PGDM (Hospital Management), Batch-17, Ms. Voona Roshini received Dr. Kakarla Subba Rao Gold Medal form overall topper and Mrs. Saroj Jalal Medal for overall women Topper gold medal, Ms Pattipati Navya got Dr. C P Karpagam Gold Medal , for second topper & Ms R Bhavani secured the third place.
Later, Prof (Dr) Subodh Kandamuthan, Dean of Training Programmes (Long Duration Programmes) & Director of the Dr. Kakarla Subba Rao Centre for Health Care Management, ASCI, Hyderabad, administered the Convocation Oath to all graduating students.
Dr Ramesh Kumar, DG of ASCI, presented a memento to Smt. Preeti Sudan. The ceremony concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr Subodh and the National Anthem.