On December 27, 2024, the Batch of 1999 gathered at MGIMS to celebrate a remarkable milestone—25 years since they first walked the corridors of their beloved alma mater. Aptly named Silver Threads, the reunion was a celebration of enduring friendships, professional achievements, and the shared bond that connects them to MGIMS.
The festivities commenced with a warm and vibrant welcome in the MGIMS Auditorium. Dignitaries gracing the event included Shri PL Tapadiyaji (President, Kasturba Health Society), Dr BS Garg (Secretary, Kasturba Health Society), Dr AK Shukla (Dean, MGIMS), Dr Poonam Shivkumar Varma (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital), Dr Dilip Gupta (President, MGIMS Alumni Association) and Dr Manish Jain (Secretary, MGIMS Alumni Association) alongside faculty, staff and the MGIMS Batch of 1999. Before the program commenced, the gathering paid homage to Dr Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister and a distinguished member of the Kasturba Health Society.
Dr AK Shukla welcomed the alumni with heartfelt words: “You carry the spirit of MGIMS wherever you go. and today, we celebrate not only your accomplishments but also the values and memories that bind us all.”
Shri PL Tapadiyaji, addressing the alumni, remarked, “You are the torchbearers of MGIMS’s legacy. As you reflect on your journeys, remember that your success is a testament to the foundation laid here. We also hope you continue to inspire, stay connected, and support the institute's mission.” Dr BS Garg added, “Your journey is our pride, as you uphold the ethos of service and excellence that defines this institution".
The batch felicitated and honored the teachers who played a pivotal role in shaping their journeys, presenting tokens of appreciation. With heartfelt gratitude, the alumni fondly remembered Dr. Sushila Nayar, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for the institute's enduring legacy. The batch also paid tribute to their peers and mentors who were no longer with them, ensuring their legacies remain alive in their hearts.Additionally, they donated water kettles and microwaves for the hospital wards.
The alumni reflected on their journey and their enduring connection to MGIMS. Memories of orientation camps, vivas during exams, and the camaraderie shared in the hostels were fondly recounted. Dr. Abhishek Shankar (Radiation Oncologist at AIIMS New Delhi) remarked, “MGIMS didn’t just teach us medicine; it taught us compassion and resilience.” Dr. Arvind Pande (Radiologist at Medanta Gurugram) echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The values imbibed here continue to guide my work every single day.” Adding with pride, Dr. Dhiraj Bhandari said, “At MGIMS, we learned to heal with compassion and built relationships that last a lifetime.”
As part of a symbolic tradition, the Batch of 1999 handed over the MGIMS torch to Dr. Mohan Pethe from the Batch of 2000, ensuring the institute’s legacy continues to thrive. Dr Poonam Shivkumar Varma, herself an MGIMS alumnus, shared cherished anecdotes with the batch and urged them to give back to their alma mater in any possible way. Dr Dilip Gupta emphasized the role of the MGIMS Alumni Association, calling the reunion a bridge connecting the past and future.
The evening was capped off with a cultural program at the Staff Club. The alumni and their families continued the celebrations the next day with a batch trip to Pench National Park for reminiscing and creating new memories.