By Dr. SP Kalantri,
Professor of Medicine at Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Maharashtra, India
The ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฆ emblemโa symbol that not only mesmerizes with its beauty but also holds a compelling tale of history within its design. At its center, Mahatma Gandhi gazes intently into a mono-ocular microscope. It is a profound image that captures his deep connection with the instrument, evoking the image of an experienced microbiologist immersed in her work. He is peering at the malarial parasite, from his own blood sample during a time when he battled malaria in Sevagram. At its core, the logo portrays the iconic Mahatma Gandhi, his gaze fixated intently on a mono-ocular microscope. This image encapsulates his connection with the instrument, reminiscent of a seasoned microbiologist fully immersed in the pursuit of knowledge. It is said that Gandhiji himself peered through the lens, examining the malarial parasite found within his own blood during his time in Sevagram.
Gajanan Ambulkar, a resident of Sevagram all his life, stands as the visionary behind the iconic MGIMS logo, a tale as remarkable as it is inspiring. In the year 1971, he took on the momentous task of designing this emblem that would forever embody the essence of MGIMS. However, before delving into the creation of the emblem, let us first explore the pivotal sketch that allowed the photograph to be enlarged. It was a crucial step in bringing the vision to life. The photograph that inspired this remarkable emblem dates back to the late 1930s. Proudly displayed within a small laboratory, it was Punjab Rao Deshmukh, a skilled Pathology technician, who carefully showcased this historic image. The laboratory itself resided within the distinguished walls of the original Kasturba Hospital, nestled within the Birla guest house in Sevagramโalso known as 52 Darwaja, aptly named for its impressive count of 52 windows and doors. This 15-bed hospital was personally blessed by Mahatma Gandhi when it was started by Dr. Sushila Nayar in 1944. Eventually, in 1969, it grew into MGIMSโthe Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences. Measuring no larger than a small postcard, it held within its frame a profound significance.
As the foundation ceremony of MGIMS approached, Dr. ID Singh, the Dean of MGIMS, and Mrs. Manimala Choudhary, the Secretary of Kasturba Health Society, yearned for an enlarged version of the photograph. Yet, Wardha, a small town, lacked the necessary facilities for such an undertaking. However, fate had other plans in store. Manimala Choudhary, having recently hired Gajanan Ambulkar as an artist cum modeler in the Anatomy department, found herself facing a predicament. She turned to Gajanan, entrusting him with the task and expressing her hopes. Fearlessly, Gajanan accepted the challenge, assuring her that he would deliver precisely what she desired. Gajanan, a local boy, had spent his formative years at the Nai Talim School nestled in Sevagram, a place of inspiration that was envisioned by the great Mahatma Gandhi himself. With passion and dedication, he honed his artistic skills in Sevagram, Khamgaon, Benares, and Bombay, leaving a trail of awe-inspiring creations in his wake.
In June 1969, just weeks before the inaugural batch of medical students would step foot in the halls of MGIMS, Gajanan joined the institution, ready to start a new chapter of his journey. Gajanan accepted the challenge. Undeterred by the absence of resources, Gajanan embarked on a tireless endeavor. He dedicated an entire night to bring forth the solution, undisturbed and fully focused on his task, seeking solace within the walls of an obscure room near Mahadev Bhavan, Sevagram. Equipped with his cherished charcoal pencils, he kindled an earthen pot lamp, the flickering flame casting a soft glow upon his workspace. Utilizing the rich black ash from the lamp, Gajanan prepared his charcoal pencils with meticulous care, sharpening them upon a slate. With the tools of his craft in hand, Gajanan began the arduous process of sketching, delicately manoeuvring the charcoal upon half of a 22*28 inch drawing sheet. Stroke by stroke, he meticulously recreated the photograph, preserving its essence and depth on the canvas. The night pressed on, with Gajanan's unwavering dedication guiding each mark he made. The image began to take shape, emerging from the blank sheet like a masterpiece in progress. The lines and shadows danced under his skilled hand, capturing the essence of the original photograph with remarkable precision.
As the dawn approached, Gajanan completed his labor of loveโa stunning, enlarged version of the cherished photograph. Little did he know that this sketch, born of determination and passion, would pave the way for the creation of the iconic MGIMS logo itself. It was this very sketch that would capture the attention of Dean ID Singh the next morning, as he discovered Gajanan Ambulkar sleeping peacefully on the floor. Barely able to suppress his anger, the Dean asked if Gajanan had even started his job, only to be met with a breath taking surprise. Gajanan, calmly awakening, presented the Dean with a stunning image, a faithful representation of the original photograph. Dean ID Singh could not believe his eyes.
With the enlarged photograph in hand, Gajanan Ambulkar embarked on a new artistic journeyโto create the emblem that would forever represent MGIMS.
Inspired by the awe-inspiring arches of the Ajanta and Ellora caves, he let his imagination flow. Using his skilled hand and creative vision, Gajanan meticulously sketched an elegant arch, framing Gandhiji's penetrating gaze as he observed the microscopic world. The arch, adorned with intricate wings on either side, exuded a sense of grace and balance. Within its embrace, Gajanan carefully inscribed the words "Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences," paying homage to the revered namesake of the institution. Below the captivating image, Gajanan added a touch of profound meaning. He remembered what Vinoba Bhave, a spiritual disciple of Gandhiji residing in Pavnar Ashram, once told Dr. Sushila Nayar about the purpose that her medical college should strive for. With care and precision, he delicately inscribed the words "๐๐ข๐ต๐บ๐ข, ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ณ๐ฎ๐ข, ๐๐ณ๐ฆ๐ฎ" โ truth, duty, and love. These virtues, envisioned by Vinoba Bhave, became the guiding principles for MGIMS in its noble pursuit of the medical profession.
To give the emblem a final touch of finesse, Gajanan sketched the Caduceus, the iconic symbol of medical science, beneath the inscription. It symbolized MGIMS' unwavering commitment to healing and the pursuit of knowledge in the medical field. With the completion of the emblem, MGIMS acquired a distinct emblem that would grace its official stationary and website for generations to come. Though Gajanan Ambulkar retired from the Anatomy department two decades ago, his words transported me to a realm of enchantment and wonder. Through his narrative brushstrokes, the 82-year-old artist vividly painted the extraordinary genesis of the MGIMS emblemโa captivating tale forever etched within the annals of history.