Gandhi Medical College Establishes Monthly Mental Awareness Day Following Student Tragedy
In a significant move to address mental health concerns, Gandhi Medical College (GMC) in Bhopal has officially declared that the 10th of every month will be observed as Mental Awareness Day. This initiative serves as a poignant tribute to the memory of an MBBS student who recently passed away, aiming to foster a supportive environment for the entire college community.
Comprehensive Well-being Initiative Launched
GMC Dean Dr. Kavita Singh detailed the college's proactive approach, stating that each academic department will organize recreational and stress-relief activities under the newly established "Share and Care Centre" program. This initiative is specifically designed to promote student resilience, emotional well-being, and peer support, ensuring that mental health remains a top priority for all members of the GMC community.
"This effort is not only about honoring our lost student but also about creating a lasting legacy of care and awareness," Dr. Singh emphasized. "We are committed to building a campus where every student feels supported and empowered."
Infrastructure Upgrades to Enhance Campus Life
Alongside the mental health focus, Dr. Singh highlighted ongoing and planned developments to improve hostel and campus facilities. Key projects include:
- Upgrading postgraduate (PG) accommodation and academic resources.
- Expanding undergraduate (UG) hostel capacity to accommodate more students comfortably.
- Strengthening residential complexes with enhanced safety and security measures.
These infrastructure improvements are intended to benefit both male and female students equally, with a strong emphasis on creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering living environment. The dean assured that these measures will directly contribute to reducing student stress and improving overall campus life.
Father Recounts Tragic Night, Calls for Transparency
In a related development, VK Kalesh, the father of the deceased MBBS student, has publicly shared his harrowing account of the night his daughter met with a fatal accident. He described the incident as occurring around 2 a.m., recounting a painful sequence of events marked by confusion and delayed information.
According to Kalesh, he was initially informed by the hostel warden that his daughter was unwell, but critical details about the accident were not immediately communicated. "I had to contact the police myself to get clarity," he stated, expressing deep concern over the handling of the situation.
Kalesh raised several unresolved issues, including the failure to properly seal the accident site and the lack of shared video recordings with the family. Despite these unanswered questions, he emphasized his overwhelming grief and the profound shock of losing his young daughter so suddenly. His account underscores the urgent need for transparency and improved crisis response protocols within educational institutions.
The combined efforts of GMC's new mental health initiatives and infrastructure upgrades, alongside the family's call for accountability, highlight a critical moment for student welfare in Bhopal's medical education sector.
