23 February 2026 @ 3 pm
The Lamp Lighting Ceremony 2026 at St. Philomena’s College of Nursing was held with
grace, reverence, and a deep sense of purpose, marking the formal initiation of the 43rd
batch of GNM and the 25th batch of B.Sc Nursing students into the noble profession of
nursing.
As the evening unfolded in a serene and reflective atmosphere, the ceremony symbolized
not just a ritual, but a transformative milestone—a moment where aspiring students took
their first step towards a life dedicated to care, compassion, and commitment.
The program commenced with a prayer song, invoking divine blessings and setting a
spiritual tone for the event. This was followed by readings from the Bible and the Bhagavad
Gita, reminding all present of the importance of values, faith, and inner strength in the
journey ahead.
The highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, led by esteemed
dignitaries, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the awakening of knowledge. The
glowing flame stood as a powerful reminder of the legacy of Florence Nightingale—the
“Lady with the Lamp”—and the enduring spirit of nursing.
A warm welcome address was delivered by the Principal, who extended her heartfelt
greetings to the gathering. The Chief Guest’s address further inspired the students,
emphasizing leadership with humility, service with dedication, and the importance of
staying grounded in one’s professional journey.
The significance of the lamp lighting ceremony was beautifully articulated by the faculty,
highlighting its deep-rooted meaning in nursing tradition. This was followed by the passing
of the light, where the flame was symbolically transferred to the budding
nurses—representing the continuation of knowledge, responsibility, and compassion.
The most solemn and defining moment of the evening was the administration of the
Nursing Oath, where students pledged to uphold ethical practice, respect life, and serve
humanity with sincerity and strength.
The ceremony was enriched with heartfelt performances, including a dedication song by
the freshers and a greeting song by senior students, fostering a sense of unity, belonging,
and encouragement.
The event also celebrated excellence through a felicitation ceremony, recognizing students
who had demonstrated outstanding achievement and dedication.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks, leaving behind a lasting message:
Nursing is not merely a profession—it is a calling to stand beside humanity in its most
vulnerable moments and become a source of strength and hope.
The Lamp Lighting Ceremony 2026 was not just an event, but the beginning of a lifelong
journey of service, learning, and compassion—a journey illuminated by the light each
student now carries within.