Pune: The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) is celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of its Graduate Wing. The AFMC graduate wing was established on 04 Aug 1962 by the then Defence Minister, Mr KV Krishna Menon. Over these 60 years, AFMC has firmly established itself as one of the best medical colleges in the country. Several of its alumni have distinguished themselves as top medical luminaries in India and abroad.
The event commenced with a solemn wreath laying ceremony, as Surg Vice Admiral Rajat Datta, AVSM, SM, VSM, PHS, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, an alumnus of the college led the alumni and cadets in paying homage at the Prerna Sthal at AFMC.
More than 650 AFMC alumni have come together from all across the globe for the celebration along with their families and children. They join over 600 medical cadets for this three – day event.
Two Diamond Jubilee orations are the highlights of the celebrations. The first of these was delivered by the Noble Laureate, Sh Kailash Satyarthi on 04th Aug. Dr Uday Kulkarni, an eminent historian, and an AFMC Alumnus himself will deliver the second oration on 6th Aug 22.
AFMC would be honouring all former Commandants and former Deans of the College in recognition of their services in shaping this premier institution over the years. The pioneering first batch of the college, A batch, who joined in 1962 will also be honoured.
The Department of Posts and Telegraphs released a special cover and cancellation to mark the event. A book ‘AFMC@60’ with contributions from AFMC students across the years as well a special edition of the college magazine ‘Dhanvantri’ was released on 4th Aug 22. Traditional ‘College Day’ events such as the Alumni vs Students debates, quiz, music and sports events will be held over the next three days. A heritage walk and a sound and light show at the imposing main building of the college would highlight the history of AFMC.
A continuing medical education programme, the ‘AFMC Diamond Jubilee Medical Update’ is being held as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Key panel discussions on current medical topics will be held.
As part of outreach activities to mark the Diamond Jubilee, the AFMC Alumni association has renovated the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC) of the College at Village Kasurdi in Daund Taluka. The alumni association is also carrying out specific infrastructure improvement at the primary school and anganwadi of the village. The renovated RHTC will be re-dedicated to the village in the presence of the local elected and government officials on 06 Aug 22.