On 12th September 2019, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), Sevagram celebrated its Foundation Day to mark the 50 years of existence of the institution par excellence. MGIMS has stitched a place for itself in the fabric of Sevagram’s rich history and heritage. MGIMS has come a long way since its inception. It has blossomed into an institution that has trained over 3700 doctors to lead the way to better health. Kasturba Hospital, a teaching hospital attached to MGIMS, prides itself for providing affordable and appropriate care to rural communities and clinical training to medical students. A commitment to excellence, community engagement and exemplary research makes MGIMS one of the most respected medical schools in the country.
Padmashri Dr TP Lahane (Director of Medical Education and Research, Government of Maharashtra) was the chief guest of the function. The event was graced by Shri Dhirubhai Mehta (President Kasturba Health Society), Shri PL Tapadia (Trustee, Kasturba Health Society), 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 Mr Unmesh Rathod (Outgoing General Secretary, Students’ Council). With over 500 students, faculty, alumni, staff, parents and honorees present, the institute celebrated its golden jubilee in the newly built auditorium.
“MGIMS has been at the forefront of providing quality medical education in the country for the past five decades. It boasts of dedicated and skilled faculty supported by excellent infrastructure, library, museums, diagnostic and skill laboratories that provide hands-on training to students”, stated Dr Gangane in his welcome speech. He presented the Annual Report of the year 2018-19. Visits of the President of India, Vice-Chancellor of MUHS and Padamshri MR Rajagopal, MOHFW appreciation on Kayakalp, MGIMS partnership with UNICEF and ICDS, MGIMS help to flood-ravaged Kerala amongst other departmental achievements were covered in his speech. Mr Rathod presented the Students’ Council Report. Ganpati festival, Chrysos 2019, interzonal sports tournament amongst various other students activities were highlighted.
Dr Lahane released the 44th issue of Sushruta - the students’ magazine which reflects the creativity and extra-curricular talents of MGIMS students and faculty. Dr Sonia Jain (Officer-In-Charge) and Ms Chittralaxmi CS (Editor-in-chief) were also present during the magazine release. A booklet on कमर ददद: कारण - निवारण (Editors: Dr AP Jain, Dr OP Gupta, Dr P Patnakar, Dr P Salunkhe and Dr S Roy) was also released by the Chief Guest.
In his Presidential address, Shri Dhirubhai Mehta said, “In last five decades, MGIMS has shown that it values means to be as important as ends. MGIMS takes every effort to acquaint the medical student to the real rural India. The National Rural Health Mission has spelt out the need to draw upon MGIMS Sevagram’s initiatives and experience in curriculum innovation and rural placement of its graduates”. “Of the 470 medical schools in the country; MGIMS is one of the only three medical institutions in India identified for their honesty, austerity, emphasis on medical ethics and selfless service” quoted Dhriubhai from a recently published book ‘Healers or Predators’ by Oxford University Press.
Padmashri Dr TP Lahane felicitated the students with applause, medals, appreciation certificates and cash prizes for their academic performances. Born and brought up in a small village, Dr Lahane told his life story describing how he rose from poverty to become an ophthalmologist, Dean of a medical school and subsequently the director of DMER. Dr Lahane who has performed over 1.7 lakh cataract surgeries and treated over 50 lakh patients lauded MGIMS’ efforts in delivering rural healthcare. In his address, he spoke on the importance of value-based teaching, depth of knowledge, good communication and a healthy doctor-patient relationship.
A day earlier MGIMS Alumni Association organised a reunion where around 300 alumni from different parts of the world joined MGIMS as a part of its Golden Jubilee Celebrations. The Association felicitated the teachers for their contribution in shaping their career. “The alumni are having a nostalgic return on the campus and are spending the evening reminiscing their fond old memories”, said Dr A Mehendale (President, MGIMS Alumni Association). “MGIMS was the launching pad for more than 3700 alumni who are doing great things here in MGIMS, across the country and around the world”, said an alumnus.
Dr Vinod Shende proposed the vote of thanks and Mr Sahil Nongrum (2016 Batch) compered the programme.
