BLDEA'S College of Nursing, Jamkhandi, organized the Lamp Lighting and Oath Taking Ceremony for the 5th Batch of B.Sc. Nursing students on Tuesday, 10th March 2026, at 4:00 PM. The solemn ceremony marked the formal entry of the new batch into the nursing profession, with students pledging their commitment to compassionate, ethical, and dedicated service.

The programme commenced with a beautiful Prayer Dance performed by Ms. Shruti Sangam, 7th Semester B.Sc. Nursing student. The Welcome Address and Guest Introduction were delivered by Ms. Vandhana Chikkaraddi (7th Semester) and Ms. Ankita (3rd Semester).

The ceremonial Lamp Lighting was performed by the distinguished dignitaries:

• Dr. Tejaswini Vallabha — Inaugurator; Principal, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, BLDE (Deemed to be University), Vijayapura
• Dr. Deelip S. Natekar — Chief Guest; Dean (Faculty of Nursing), Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, and Principal, Shri B.V.V. Sangha's Sajjalashree Institute of Nursing Sciences, Bagalkot
• Prof. S. H. Lagali — President of the Function; Administrative Officer, BLDE Association, Jamkhandi
• Dr. Veerabhadrappa G. Mendagudli — Principal, BLDEA'S College of Nursing, Jamkhandi

The 5th Batch of First Year B.Sc. Nursing students lit their individual lamps from the faculty members Ms. Akshata Aralimatti and Ms. Shashikala Mudhol. The solemn Nursing Oath was then administered by Mrs. Shivaleela S. Sarawad, Assistant Professor, BLDEA'S College of Nursing, Jamkhandi. The students repeated the oath with great devotion and commitment, symbolising their formal dedication to the nursing profession.

Dr. Veerabhadrappa G. Mendagudli, Principal, presented the college report, highlighting the academic activities, achievements, and progress of the institution during the academic year 2025 (January–December).

In her Inaugural Address, Dr. Tejaswini Vallabha emphasised that while doctors may not always be able to spend much time with patients, nurses remain with them for longer periods and provide continuous care. She highlighted the vital role nurses play by offering 24-hour care, compassion, and effective communication with patients, inspiring students to serve with dedication, empathy, and humanity.

Dr. Deelip S. Natekar, Chief Guest, stated that nursing is a profession dedicated to service and bringing comfort and happiness to people's lives. He emphasised that nursing students are trained to work across various healthcare fields and play a crucial role in the healthcare system.

Prof. S. H. Lagali, President of the Function, congratulated the students for their academic and extracurricular achievements. He appreciated the Principal and faculty for their continuous efforts towards the growth and excellence of the institution, and praised students for choosing the noble nursing profession.

The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Ms. Vandhana Chikkaraddi, 7th Semester B.Sc. Nursing student. The programme concluded with a joyful cultural performance by the students.

The Lamp Lighting and Oath Taking Ceremony is one of the most cherished and significant traditions in nursing education. Inspired by Florence Nightingale, the lamp symbolises knowledge, compassion, and the light that nurses carry into the lives of their patients. The ceremony marked a milestone for the 5th Batch, formally welcoming them into a profession built on service, integrity, and care. With their lamps lit and oath taken, the students stepped forward as committed nursing professionals, ready to serve with dedication and humanity.