The Lamp Lighting Ceremony of the 10th batch of BSc. Nursing and 24th batch of GNM Nursing students of Vivekananda College & School of Nursing was celebrated today at Vivekananda Polyclinic & Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow in the presence of a large number of distinguished people of the city including the parents of the students. Prof. J.V. Singh, Dean, Faculty of Nursing, King George\'s Medical University, Lucknow, was the Chief Guest during the function. He complimented the Nursing College and School of Nursing for improving the nursing services by ensuring the adequate flow of well-trained nurses known for their discipline and caliber. He said that the Nursing profession demands (24x7) round the clock service with the spirit of sacrifice, sincerity and selflessness. Prof. Subrata Sarkar, Principal, College of Nursing, R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, the Guest of Honour said that prior to the initiation into the Nursing Service, the light of wisdom and professional ethics is passed on to the students. The Institution moulds the young students with an idea of service in the spirit of self-sacrifice in accordance with the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, \'Service to Jiva is service to Shiva\' i.e. dedicated service of humanity is equivalent to worship of God. The programme started with lighting of lamp amidst Vedic Chanting by the nursing students. In the welcome address, Swami Muktinathananda, Secretary of the Institute explained the significance of the ceremony as part of our “Journey from darkness to light”. He stressed that today as many as 63 B.Sc. & GNM Nursing Students are taking vows of renunciation and service which will not only illumine their lives but also bring lustre & comfort to many a darkened soul in future. He also said that in the year 2015-16, we are in the process of the starting MSc. Nursing course in the College. Mrs. Sampa Sengupta, Principal of the Nursing Institute presented the Annual Report highlighting the academic and clinical achievements of the students. She said that the lamp lighting ceremony initiates the new aspirants into the nursing profession and the vows they pledge reflect the values of Florence Nightingale. The students recited their vows in Sanskrit holding a lamp each in their hand in the presence of image of Swami Vivekananda and a portrait of Florence Nightingale over-viewing the gathering. A large number of attractive prizes in the form of cash awards, medals & books were presented along with certificates to the Meritorious & Professionally Excellent students. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Sri Ravi Kumar, Vice Principal of the Nursing Institute. A befitting closing song in chorus was presented by the nursing students which was greatly appreciated by the distinguished guests, parents of the students as well as the staff of the Institute. The lamp lighting ceremony left an indelible impression in the hearts of all present encouraging them to be initiated into the spirit of renunciation and of service in their individual lives too.