SREE CHITRA TIRUNAL INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
SREE CHITRA TIRUNAL INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY Originally established by the Government of Kerala as an advanced centre for medical specialties, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) metamorphosed into an Institution of National Importance with the status of a University in 1980 under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India by an Act of Parliament (Act 52 of 1980). The emblem of the institute has a circular banner bearing its name and place. Within this in a circle, the Staff of Aesculapius with a snake entwined is kept, denoting medicine and medical profession. This is circumscribed by its motto - a quote from Rig Veda 7.32.26 - in Sanskrit ‘जीवा ज्योतिर अशीमहि’ meaning ‘Enjoy the Divine Light of Life’ on top and crested by a sacred conch, the Sree Padmanhnabha Shanku of the state emblem of Kerala. The Shanku was one of the most iconic emblems found throughout Kerala's history and was the