The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS) celebrated the 78th Independence Day with grandeur and enthusiasm on its campus. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri P.L. Tapadiya (President, Kasturba Health Society), Dr. B.S. Garg (Secretary, Kasturba Health Society), Dr. Poonam Shivkumar (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital), Dr. Ramesh Pandey (Deputy Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital), and other notable dignitaries.
This year, the tricolor was proudly unfurled by Ms. Anvi Tambi, the final year topper of the MBBS 2019 batch, symbolizing the academic excellence that MGIMS fosters. Faculty, staff, and students from MGIMS, Kasturba Nursing College, Kasturba Nursing School, and Kasturba Vidya Mandir gathered at the campus playground to partake in the celebrations. The national anthem, patriotic songs, and a parade filled the surroundings with a sense of unity and pride.
In his address, the Chief Guest, Shri P.L. Tapadiya, remarked, "The challenges of health in India are multifaceted—from bridging gaps in healthcare access to combating emerging diseases and integrating digital health platforms and artificial intelligence for prevention. I am proud to say that MGIMS, through its innovative approaches, stands as a beacon of hope for rural communities. As we raise this flag, let us renew our commitment to being custodians of health and hope, ensuring that healthcare remains a right for all, especially the underprivileged and the underserved."
The gathering took a collective oath against drug abuse as part of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign. The program concluded with the National Anthem, marking the end of a day filled with patriotic pride and reflection.
In response to the Prime Minister’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, students, faculty, and staff also participated in a tree plantation drive at Arogyadham—MGIMS’s wellness center. Nearly 750 trees, including charoli, ashoka, gulmohar, fanas, neem, kadam, amla, guava, reetha, mahogany, tendu, and seetafal, among several other 50 varieties, were planted to create a dense forest near Dr. Sushila Nayar’s Smriti-sthal. This initiative marked the institute’s commitment to protecting nature and restoring the planet.