Silver Jubilee highlights legacy of leadership, innovation, and global community impact

WILLEMSTAD - St. Martinus University (SMU) celebrated a landmark moment in its history as it commemorated 25 years of leadership and excellence in medical education during its annual White Coat Ceremony, held at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort. The milestone event brought together distinguished guests, faculty, students, alumni, parents, and community leaders to honor SMU’s enduring mission of “Educating Tomorrow’s Physicians.”

Reflecting on 25 Years of Growth

The evening opened with a keynote address from Dr. Danna Soria, Vice Chancellor of SMU, who reflected on the university’s 25-year journey and its impact on medical education in the Caribbean and beyond. She praised the dedication of faculty, staff, and board members whose vision and perseverance have shaped SMU into a respected international institution.

Dr. Soria also acknowledged the parents who traveled from across the globe — including the United States, United Kingdom, and India — to witness their children receive the white coat, symbolizing the beginning of their professional medical careers.

Distinguished Guests and Global Support

The ceremony was attended by members of the Board of Directors, including Chairman Mr. Jay Talluri, Mr. Harish Koya, Mr. Niranjan Srungavarapu, Mr. Prakash Gera, and Mr. Viswanath Nayunipati, who were recognized for their pivotal role in guiding SMU’s academic growth and international collaborations.

Messages of congratulations were also received from CEO Mr. Shrini Sajja and board members Mr. Suresh Puttagunta, Mr. Naveen Ale, Mr. Venkat Krishna Kurra, and Mrs. Radhika Kattragadda, as well as Hon. Minister Sithree “Cey” van Heydoorn, Curaçao’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture & Sports, who commended SMU for its contribution to higher education and pledged continued government support.

Chief Guest and Honorary Remarks

Dr. Sirving Keli, Inspector-General of Public Health, served as Chief Guest, recalling his early involvement with SMU in 2006 and commending its transformation into one of the Caribbean’s leading medical institutions.

Mr. Jagdish Mirpuri, Honorary Consul of India for Curaçao, also delivered an uplifting speech highlighting SMU’s role in fostering academic excellence, cultural diversity, and Indo-Curaçao relations.

Board Commitment and Future Vision

Speaking on behalf of the Board, Chairman Jay Talluri, founder of Hallmark Global Technologies and noted philanthropist, congratulated the new cohort of medical students. He emphasized discipline, compassion, and perseverance as pillars of the medical profession and reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to SMU’s “Students-First Mission.”

Talluri announced that construction of a new SMU campus is underway — a state-of-the-art facility designed to elevate the university’s academic environment and expand opportunities for research and innovation.

Honorary Doctorate and Faculty Recognition

A highlight of the evening was the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate on Mr. Kamendra Devidas Dahat, a distinguished educator and author known for his motivational leadership and advocacy for youth empowerment.

Two SMU faculty members, Dr. Ferhan Saleem (Pharmacology/ITR) and Dr. Anand Chaudhary (Biochemistry), were also honored for earning their licenses to practice medicine in Curaçao, reinforcing SMU’s academic excellence and community engagement.

White Coat Ceremony: A Rite of Passage

The prestigious White Coat Ceremony was led by a distinguished panel of medical professionals, educators, and community leaders, including Dr. Sirving Keli, Dr. Iyves Schoop, Mrs. Feiijdi Ayibi, Mr. Jagdish Mirpuri, Dr. Ravikishor Reddy Vintha, Dr. Earley Elshot-Sadjo, and Dr. E. R. Lichtveld. Each personally presented white coats to the incoming medical students — a powerful symbol of compassion, ethics, and commitment to healing.

Following the presentation, Prof. Jose Mendoza, Dean of Student Affairs, led the students in reciting the Hippocratic Oath, marking their official entry into the medical profession.

Student and Alumni Inspiration

Student leaders Akhila Munishi (AMSA) and Zubaidha Asharaf (SGA) shared highlights of SMU’s ongoing community health outreach programs, including local health fairs and volunteer initiatives.

Alumnus Dr. Prakrut Manish Sethi (Class of 2025) returned as Academic Advisor and shared an inspiring message on perseverance as he prepares for his 2026 U.S. Residency Match.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

SMU extended gratitude to its local and institutional partners, including SVB, KLM Curaçao, Lions International, Guardian Group, CPost, Curaçao International Airport, and the Dolphin Therapy and Research Center, among others. These collaborations reflect SMU’s commitment to integrating education, healthcare, and community well-being.

Looking Ahead

In his closing address, Chancellor Dr. Murali Ginjupalli expressed heartfelt appreciation to all contributors — faculty, students, parents, alumni, and partners — and unveiled the architectural design of SMU’s new campus, symbolizing the university’s bright future.

“Tonight, we celebrate not only our 25 years of achievement,” said Dr. Ginjupalli, “but also the limitless potential of the next generation of physicians who will continue to carry Curaçao’s name across the world.”

The St. Martinus University White Coat Ceremony 2025 thus marked both a celebration of legacy and a renewal of purpose — reaffirming SMU’s enduring role in shaping compassionate, skilled, and globally minded medical professionals.