Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram celebrated its Foundation Day to mark the 49 years of existence of the institution par excellence. With over 500 students, faculty, staff and honorees present, the celebration began as the institute entered into its 50th year of existence.
Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Hon’ble Divisional Commissioner, Nagpur was the chief guest of the function. The event was graced by Shri Shailesh Nawal (Collector, Wardha), Dr Purshottam Madavi (Civil Surgeon, Wardha), Dr Ajay Dawale ( DHO, Wardha), Dr BS Garg (Secretary, Kasturba Health Society), Dr NM Gangane (Dean, MGIMS), Dr SP Kalantri (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital), Dr Satish Kumar (Officer In-charge, Students’ Council) and Dr Nikhil Honale (General Secretary, Students’ Council).
The programme began with a welcome song, followed by the lighting of the lamp by the chief guest and the guests of honour. “On 11th September 1964, Kasturba Health Society was formed to manage the hospital. Since then every year, this day is celebrated as the foundation day of the institute. The institute has always been an epitome of success and achievements and hence on this auspicious day, the institute bestow the awards into the deserving hands every year.”, stated Dr Gangane in his welcome speech. He presented the Annual Report of the year 2017-18. Visits of the Vice-President of India and Minister of State of Family and Health welfare, NAAC A accreditation amongst other departmental achievements were covered in his speech. “ Coming year shall witness many academic activities as the part of 50th year of celebration”, declared Dr Gangane. Dr Honale highlighted the various activities conducted by students in his Students’ Council Report.
Sushruta, the institute’s editorial magazine was released by the dignitaries on dais. ‘The Human Brain- The most complex Structure in the Known Universe’ was the theme of this year's edition. Dr Sonia Jain (Officer In-Charge) and Mr Aniruddh Iyengar (Editor-in-chief) were also present during the release.
Dr Garg addressed the gathering with the developments and achievements of the institute. “ State-of-the-art auditorium, center of excellence for palliative care, district early Intervention centre and training center for emergency life support system- are the ones we propose to deliver this year as the part of our golden jubilee celebration”, Dr Garg informed.
Shri PL Tapadia, Trustee, Kasturba Health Society, delivered the presidential address in absentia of Shri Dhiru Bhai Mehta, President Kasturba Health Society. “We honour our Founder – Dr Sushila Nayar, as we reflect on the commitment, resilience and dedication Behenji had to see her vision of MGIMS come to reality”, Shri Tapadia said. He also expressed gratitude to the senior members who had contributed in turning MGIMS into a premier institution.
Dr Sanjeev Kumar felicitated the students with applause as the students walked up the stage to collect medals for their academic performances. He congratulated students and handed over the medals, appreciation certificates and cash prizes to them. The team of students who had recently been to flood ravaged Kerala were also felicitated. In his speech Dr Kumar referred to the declining infant and maternal mortality rate in India and mentioned Maharashtra to be on the top. Dr Kumar was felicitated for his esteemed presence in the institute. After the function, he also interacted with the residents and final year students of the institute to motivate them to take up the National Health Rural Mission(NHRM) and deliver equitable, affordable and quality health care to the rural population. He also took into the account of the problems faced by them in taking up such services.
"This day marks a significant milestone in the history of the institute, and the lives of those who were and are privileged to be a part of the institute." said Dr Satish Kumar (In-charge, Students’ Council) as he proposed the vote of thanks.