Dr. Jitendra Singh arrives in Chennai for Sri Ramachandra Convocation
Synopsis
Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh arrived in Chennai on October 22, 2026, to attend the Medical Convocation at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, a leading deemed university in Tamil Nadu.
Key Takeaways
Jitendra Singh arrived at Chennai International Airport on October 22, 2026 .
He is attending the Medical Convocation of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research , a deemed university in Chennai.
Singh holds the portfolio of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences , and is also MoS in the PMO .
Chennai is a recognised hub for medical education, hosting several deemed universities with established health sciences programmes.
Ministers from the science portfolio routinely attend such convocations as part of academic outreach to professional education institutions.
A medical convocation brought Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to Chennai on Thursday, October 22, 2026 — the minister landing at Chennai International Airport ahead of the degree ceremony at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, one of Tamil Nadu's foremost deemed universities in health sciences.
Dr. Singh shared images of his arrival at the airport alongside colleagues and members of the medical fraternity, posting: 'Arrived Chennai today for the Medical Convocation of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed University). At Chennai International Airport with friends and colleagues from the fraternity.'
Sri Ramachandra Institute and its place in southern India's medical landscape
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, based in Chennai, is a deemed university offering programmes across medical, dental, and allied health sciences. It is among a cluster of institutions that have made Chennai a recognised hub for medical education and clinical research in southern India. Graduates from such institutions enter a health sector that is under increasing policy scrutiny over research output and regulatory standards.
Why a Science Minister at a Medical Convocation
Ministers holding the Science and Technology portfolio routinely engage with deemed universities during convocation seasons — the events offer a direct channel to faculty, graduating doctors, and institutional leadership. For Dr. Singh, who oversees science policy as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences and also serves as MoS in the Prime Minister's Office, such visits represent standard academic outreach rather than a departure from portfolio.
Any remarks the minister makes during the ceremony on medical research priorities or regulatory directions in higher education will carry weight given his dual remit across science governance and the PMO.
Point of View
Particularly those bridging science, technology, and health. For a minister who straddles science policy and the PMO, attending degree ceremonies at deemed universities doubles as soft-power diplomacy with the academic community — an audience that shapes research culture and regulatory discourse. Any signal he sends on medical research or institutional standards at such a gathering lands in fertile ground. The visit also reflects the strategic importance the Centre places on engaging Tamil Nadu's influential health-sciences ecosystem.
NationPress
22 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dr. Jitendra Singh visit Chennai?
Dr. Jitendra Singh travelled to Chennai on October 22, 2026, to attend the Medical Convocation of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, a deemed university in the city.
What is Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research?
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research is a deemed university in Chennai offering programmes in medical, dental, and allied health sciences, and is one of Tamil Nadu's prominent medical education institutions.
What portfolio does Dr. Jitendra Singh hold?
Dr. Jitendra Singh is the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and also serves as Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office and for Personnel.
Is Chennai a major centre for medical education in India?
Yes, Chennai is widely regarded as a hub for medical education and clinical research in southern India, home to multiple deemed universities and research institutions with long-standing health sciences programmes.
Why do Science Ministers attend medical convocations?
Ministers from the science and technology portfolio attend convocations at deemed universities to engage directly with academic communities, signal policy priorities, and maintain outreach to institutions involved in professional and research education.
