On December 22, 2023, the distinguished Batch of 1998 came together to celebrate their 25th reunion at MGIMS, marking a significant milestone in their journey. Spanning various specialties and countries, the members of the batch gathered to pay homage to their alma mater. Joined by their families, they reunited to create new memories and reminisce about the cherished moments of their good old years.
The inaugural function, held at the Auditorium of MGIMS, was graced by esteemed dignitaries: Shri Dhirubhai Mehta (President, Kasturba Health Society), Shri PL Tapadiya (Vice-President, Kasturba Health Society), Dr BS Garg (Secretary, Kasturba Health Society), Dr AK Shukla (Dean, MGIMS), Dr Poonam Shivkumar Varma (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital), and Dr Dilip Gupta (President, MGIMS Alumni Association). The program was also adorned by the presence of the dedicated faculty of the institute. Dr. AK Shukla, welcoming all alumni back, remarked "A lot has changed since the time you graduated from this institute. However, the collective moment of bonding is something to rejoice in," remarked Dr. AK Shukla as he warmly welcomed all alumni back to their alma mater. He expressed MGIMS's keen interest in fostering a continued connection with all alumni.
Addressing the Alumni Shri Dhirubhaiji said, “You are the ambassadors and beacons of MGIMS’s rich legacy”. He urged them to go back to the familiar corridors, rekindle bonds with their teachers, and relive the cherished moments of their olden times. "Your significant strides in various fields make us immensely proud, and we seek your continued support to elevate MGIMS further," added Shri Dhirubhaiji.
The alumni started the program by singing the same prayer they used to sing during their time, evoking nostalgic enthusiasm. The batch felicitated their teachers as a mark of respect for being a part of their professional journeys, sharing anecdotes that highlighted the unique qualities of each teacher. They fondly remembered their teachers and batchmates who were no longer with them.
The torch of tradition was ceremoniously passed to the Batch of 1999, symbolizing the continuity and preservation of the institute's legacy. Dr Dhiraj Bhandari and Dr Deepika Garg from the 1999 Batch, both professors in Anesthesia and ENT, respectively, accepted the torch on behalf of their batch.
Reflecting on the profound impact of MGIMS, Dr Sindhu Chandran, a leading gynecologist and topper of the Batch of 1998, expressed, "The presence of MGIMS is in me; it is in everything I do and wherever I go." Dr Anand Bang (Advisor, Tata Trusts & Joint Director, SEARCH, Gadchiroli) emphasized his experiences at MGIMS, recalling the invaluable lessons from exceptional teachers, the rich culture and values instilled at MGIMS, as well as his stints at Gandhi Ashram. He regarded these aspects, along with the enduring friendships formed, as the best gifts he received during his formative years. “My journey has been profoundly influenced by the guidance and mentorship of my esteemed teachers at MGIMS. They played a pivotal role in shaping not just my career but also the person I am today", said Dr Chasanal Rathod (Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Mumbai)
In addition, teachers also expressed their affection for the batch by sharing fond memories from their classes. Dr. Jajoo affectionately reminded them, "Bimaaro ke trustee hai aap." Dr. Patond acknowledged that his strictness was a necessity at the time, and Dr. Subodh Gupta shared cherished memories from the Social Service Camp of the batch. These reflections added another layer of warmth and nostalgia to the reunion event.
Dr Dilip Gupta reflected upon the endeavours of the MGIMS Alumni Association, shedding light on the work being undertaken by the association to establish and strengthen alumni connections with MGIMS. Dr Pooja Batra (Professor of Surgery at MGIMS) and Dr Amradeep Tembhare (Gynecologist, Wardha) skilfully orchestrated the program. The day concluded with a lively evening at Arogyadham, setting the stage for a memorable batch trip to Pench the following morning.