On November 30, 2024, the 56th Orientation Camp for the newly admitted MBBS students of MGIMS was inaugurated at Shanti Bhavan, Nai Talim, Sevagram. The event was graced by Shri P.L. Tapadia Ji (President, Kasturba Health Society) as the chief guest, alongside Dr. B.S. Garg (Secretary, Kasturba Health Society), Dr. A.K. Shukla (Dean, MGIMS), Dr. Poonam Shivkumar Varma (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital), Dr. Siby Joseph (Director, Sri Jamnalal Bajaj Memorial Library and Research Centre for Gandhian Studies), and Dr. Prabhakar Pusadkar (Secretary, Nai Talim Samiti). The gathering included heads of departments, faculty, staff, and 100 students of the MBBS Batch 2024.
Dr. Shukla, welcoming the new students, emphasized the legacy of MGIMS by recalling the inspiring words of the institute’s founder, Dr. Sushila Nayar: “Yaha aa gaye ho toh doctors toh ban hi jaoge; strive to become a better version of yourself.” He underlined the importance of the fortnight-long orientation program, which not only upholds the institute's traditions but has also been recognized as a model for the NMC's foundation course.
Chief Guest Shri Tapadiya Ji highlighted the significance of the 15-day Sanskar Shivir or orientation camp, emphasizing its role in preparing future doctors to address the challenges of rural India. “70% of India’s population resides in resource-limited settings. A holistic approach to healthcare is incomplete without a deep understanding of their lives”, he said. “At MGIMS, we make great efforts to shape our students into socially conscious and value-driven doctors,” he added.
A hallmark of this program is its focus on Gandhian ideologies. The students are taught about the importance of Gandhian principles of Khadi, Shramdan and Sarv-Dharma prayers. “Gandhiji’s teachings remain profoundly relevant in healthcare, environmental sanitation, nutrition, and spiritual health. Embracing this code of conduct fosters honesty, self-reliance, and the dignity of labor”, reiterated Dr Garg.
Dr Subodh Gupta (Head of the Community Medicine) provided an overview of the camp, highlighting the activities and lectures awaiting the students. “During these 15 days, you will immerse yourselves in community activities such as spinning yarn, participating in all-religion prayers, and practicing self-help by washing your utensils and clothes. Alongside, you’ll delve into Gandhian ideologies and academic lectures, enjoy sports and cultural events, practice yoga, and attend several interactive workshops. Alumni often recall these days as the most memorable part of their journey at Sevagram,” he shared.
Dr. Ashwini Kalantri (Professor of Community Medicine and the camp's in-charge), concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks.