Neglected for years, GMCH’s Oval Garden to blossom again, courtesy a past student

Nagpur: The Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Past students, who have made a mark in their field after passing out from the iconic college, are taking this opportunity to contribute to the development of their alma mater.
One of these alumni is Dr Pramod Giri, a renowned neurosurgeon in central India and director of Neuron Hospital chain. Giri has decided to give a complete facelift to the 3-acre garden located in front of the dean’s office in GMCH.
Along with restoring the garden’s flora, special arrangements will be made for students and teachers to sit and study in the open environment, even conducting open-air classes.
The GMCH campus is spread over an area of 200 acres and is known for its four spacious gardens. Even today, the park remains a treasure trove of memories for former students.
The ‘Oval Garden’ in front of the dean’s office used to have a gurgling fountain, sandalwood trees, and various flowering plants. However, over the past two decades, the park is lying in a neglected state.
Dr Giri mentioned that the redesigned park will follow a ‘Gurukul’ theme. “This park will feature a new form of the Gurukul concept. Medical students often study for long hours, so this garden will provide them with a new and improved place to study,” he said. Giri is investing Rs30 lakh for this project.
“This is a small gift from me to my alma mater. We are planning to complete the work in the next three months so that the garden will be ready by December 2023 when GMCH celebrates its 75th anniversary,” added Giri.
Dean Dr Raj Gajbhiye mentioned that many former students are coming forward to celebrate the occasion.
“GMCH has been producing exceptional doctors and quality teachers since 1947. Our doctors and medical teachers are working all over the world. Along with the garden, classrooms, and auditorium will also undergo renovations. The projects are currently in the pipeline,” said Dr Gajbhiye.