Patna: A solemn Cadaveric Oath Ceremony was held at AIIMS Patna on February 16 2026, bringing together faculty members and students to reflect on the ethical foundations of medical education. Organised in the dissection hall of the Department of Anatomy, the event aimed to encourage gratitude and respect towards individuals who donate their bodies for teaching and research, a practice considered central to medical training.
The programme was attended by the Institute’s Executive Director, Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal, alongside faculty and students from MBBS, nursing and paramedical courses. The ceremony opened with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) M. Haque, Head of the Department of Anatomy, who described body donors as the “first teachers” of medical students and highlighted the crucial role of cadaveric dissection in understanding human anatomy.
Addressing students, Prof. Agarwal spoke about compassion, humility and ethical conduct in the medical profession, urging future healthcare workers to approach their learning with sensitivity and respect. The cadaveric oath, administered by Prof. Haque, included a pledge to treat donated bodies with dignity, uphold professional ethics and use medical knowledge in service of humanity.
The ceremony created a reflective atmosphere, reminding students of the human stories behind their education and the responsibilities that come with entering the healthcare profession. Faculty members noted that such programmes help reinforce ethical awareness early in medical training, shaping attitudes that carry into clinical practice.
Following the oath, a certificate and prize distribution ceremony recognised winners of competitions held on World Anatomy Day under the theme of body donation. Conducted by Dr. Sunita Nayak, Additional Professor in the Department of Anatomy, the event acknowledged students who helped raise awareness about body donation and its role in advancing medical education. The programme concluded with a message of gratitude and commitment to serving society with dedication and compassion.
