Annals of Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and KEM Hospital (1925-2025) : nationalism, foundation, and growth

ISBN (EPUB): 979-8-9943479-0-4 ISBN (PDF – Digital Edition): 979-8-9943479-1-1 ISBN (Cloth): 978-9-381496-98-5 OCLC number: 1577383837

About the Book “Dr Sunil Pandya was very actively engaged in preparing this book. While talking about it, very spontaneously he uttered the words, “Lopa, this will be a unique book.” Being a scholar of medical history himself, and having written a book on the history of Grant Medical College and J J hospital and knowing his humility, and that he was a very critical evaluator of his own work, his evaluation of this book is the biggest compliment a work can earn." "The book deals in full detail about the how, why, when, what, where, by whom and for whom the institutions Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and KEM Hospital (GSMC-KEMH) were created. This book narrates a saga of sacrifice by several highly qualified doctors to fulfil a burning desire to liberate medical practice and practitioners from British hegemony. They established the first Indian medical college and hospital, a symbol of freedom to prove to the colonial masters—we are on par. Hum Kisise kum nahi. The institutions established are GSMC-KEMH. These institutions were run entirely by Indians, for Indians and of Indians. Dr Sunil Pandya has poured his heart, his love for history and his love for the institutions in this book over a period of four years till his last breath. He has put together unique, minute details to paint a complete picture on how the institutions came into being. He details the role of the founder dean Dr Jivraj Mehta and pioneer teachers. He brings out the guiding and motivating forces – nationalism, self-respect, and desire of the founders to give their best to society." "The book is in three parts. Part I deals with the beginnings, foundation, and genesis up to 1945. It gives the details of how the institutions came into being. Juhi Jotwani, the copy editor of the book says, “These are some thoughts which I had as I was putting together this amazingly researched and curated document by Dr Sunil Pandya, into a centenary volume:”

“In conclusion, this book, woven moment by moment with the entwined threads of history of these glorious institutions tries to depict a total picture of the unparalleled, humanitarian medical service rendered by these twin institutions through their founders, philanthropists, teachers, students, nurses, health workers, and municipal administrators over 100 years. Our salute to all of them. It brings back nostalgic moments for those who were associated with these institutions in some capacity and kindles a sense of pride and gratitude. This book will absorb anyone who is a GOSUMEC connected in any way with these institutions, who is interested in history in general and medical history in particular, who is Indian in soul and spirit. The book is a printed monument of the glorious history of these twin institutions of a century of selfless service in education and research. ‘Not for self but for all’.”