Grant medical college MBBS students protest over Gympkhana control change

Mumbai: For medical students at the Grant Medical College, the Grant Government Medical College Students' Association (GMCSA) Gymkhana near Marine Drive has been more than just an open ground.

It is a space where medical students unwind, play sports, organise cultural programmes, and look after their mental and physical well-being.

However, a recent change in the control of the Gymkhana and the ongoing plan to build a clubhouse there have triggered protests from around 60 to 80 medical students who gathered at the gymkhana grounds near Marine Drive on Friday morning to express their disappointment. The protest dispersed shortly after police informed the students that demonstrations are allowed only at Azad Maidan.

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The issue began earlier this year when the management of the GMCSA Gymkhana was shifted from the college's elected general secretary to a government-appointed governing body. The new committee includes representatives from the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, officials from the Medical Education and Pharmaceuticals Department, the dean, the student general secretary, and the superintendent of Sir JJ Group of Hospitals.

This has reportedly left the students anxious, who fear that this shift will erode their longstanding access to what has traditionally been a student-governed space. The gymkhana currently includes an open field, old sports facilities, and a cricket pitch shared with the Police Gymkhana.

Speaking to Mid-day in this regard, General Secretary Rishikesh Shinde said, "The gymkhana was always managed by us. We handled everything for intercollegiate and intracollegiate events. With the new governing body, we fear the gymkhana will no longer remain accessible to students. We have written multiple letters to the new committee, but have received no response. We’re also hearing about plans to build a clubhouse, which is worrying. This space has always existed for sports, cultural events, and student well-being. We want it to stay that way."

Dr Ajay H Bhandarwar, dean of Grant Government Medical College, said, "The gymkhana is government property, which is why the future course of action may be decided by the government. A few months ago, medical authorities had called the students as well as the college members for a meeting at the medical education department in Mantralaya. Students are apprised of updates relating to the Gymkhana"

Dr Deepak A Palande, neurosurgeon and GGMC alumnus, said, "The gymkhana has always been central to GGMC’s culture. Since the late 60s, sports like hockey, cricket, badminton and table tennis were actively played. But due to rising academic pressure and mismanagement, the culture has declined."

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