Every year on May 12, the world commemorates International Nurses’ Day in remembrance of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, who was born on that day. The day honours the devotion, compassion, and hard work of nurses everywhere. The day seeks to promote nurses' acceptance, support, and inclusion globally while acknowledging their impact on the economy, society, and culture. As part of this celebration, Manipal College of Nursing and Manipal School of Nursing, Manipal, have conducted various activities. The theme selected by the International Council of Nurses for 2025 is "Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies."

The formal event took place on May 12, 2025, at the Dr. TMA Pai Auditorium, 3rd Floor, KMC, Manipal. Dr. Judith A Noronha, the Dean of Manipal College of Nursing, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. Dr. Savitha Prabhu, serving as the convenor for International Nurses Day, presented a comprehensive report detailing the various activities conducted as part of the occasion. These activities included a workshop on Labour preparedness using a high-fidelity mannequin, a seminar on the theme of International Nurses’ Day 2025, Elocution, collage, reel making, poster competition, and a television interview segment.

Dr. Judith Angelitta Noronha, Dean of Manipal College of Nursing, introduced the esteemed chief guest. Major General Elizabeth John (Retd.), Former Additional Director General of the Military Nursing Service (MNS), New Delhi. The Chief Guest, in her address, emphasized the importance of upskilling and retaining nurses in every country, highlighting the evidence-based statistics on the challenges faced by the nursing workforce globally. She also explained the consequences of not investing in the well-being of nurses and suggested strategies for the economic development of the nursing workforce, like prioritizing universal health coverage, adequate staffing, the right resources, and equipment.

The programme was presided over by Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal. In his presidential address, Dr. Venkatesh emphasized the qualities of a nurse and various roles and responsibilities a nurse serves in the society, in the community, and the nation as a whole. He also highlighted the importance of this noble profession to the young students.

Two distinguished nurses, Mrs. Pushpalatha Nayak, former Oncology Ward in charge, Kasturba Hospital Manipal, and Mrs. Poornima, Senior Nursing Officer, Community Health Center, Brahmavar, were honoured for their outstanding contributions to patient welfare and community care services, as well as their support for student learning. Dr. Leena Sequira, Principal of Manipal School of Nursing, highlighted the accomplishments of these honoured nurses. The award for excellence in clinical practice, donated by Dr. Kasturi R Adiga, former Principal of Manipal school of Nursing, was received by Mrs. Sumangala, Ward Sister of Dhanwanthari ICU, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Ms. Gonsalves Reshma Daisy Victor, 2nd year PBBSc Nursing student of 2023-24 batch & Ms. Ashwitha Nayak 3rd year GNM student of 2023- 24 batch.

Prizes were awarded to the winners of various competitions, including elocution, collage, reel making, and poster competition, all centred around the theme of International Nurses' Day 2025. Mrs. Janet Prameela Dsouza, Co-Convener, extended gratitude through the vote of thanks.

The event concluded with a series of cultural performances presented by both students and faculty members of Manipal College of Nursing (MCON) and Manipal School of Nursing (MSON) at MAHE, Manipal. The activity is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4, Quality Education, to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.