* The foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was laid at the Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC).
* The place where the college is located was earlier called Ferozabad, founded by Feroz Shah Tuglaq in 1350 AD.
* The medical college housed a jail in its complex during the British Raj, and three culprits, held responsible for throwing a bomb on Lord Hardinge, were hanged there.
THESE and many more unknown facts about MAMC will be exhibited in its museum, slated for a December inauguration. The exhibit will mark the 50th anniversary of the medical college, located on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, near Darya Ganj.
“We are tying to set up a museum with all information about the college, right from its inception in 1957,” MAMC dean Dr Arun Kumar Aggarwal says. “There will be a photo gallery showcasing its inauguration by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and will also have other nuggets of information that is not known to many.”
So, between doing their rounds doctors these days are busy sourcing old photographs and portraits from the Nehru Planetarium and National Archives. The preparations had, in fact, begun last year; even former deans have been contacted and are doing their bit to give shape to the museum.
But professors say besides collecting bits and pieces of information, the whole process is more about telling the students the story of MAMC, its history, and its relevance in the world of medical science.
“The idea for a museum took shape last year, and we are happy that we will be able to give our students information about their college,” Dr Daljit Singh, a professor of Neurosurgery and MAMC alumni, says. “This is an effort worth working for; I am happy and proud to be a part of it.”
The museum will have a gallery with photographs of all visitors to the college since its inception; there will be photos showing the college’s transformation over the past five decades, and all its publications and trophies won in these years. “We have found pictures of Lord Irwin visiting the college,” Dr Singh says. “Then, there are pictures showing how the old British architecture has transformed over the years.
“There are details of visitors, growth and development of the departments, and information about all seven heritage sites that exist in the college.”
While the golden jubilee celebrations have started with renovation work on the facade, professors say the college’s associations in various other countries have also been tied up. “MAMCO-UK, MAMCO-NA (North America) have sent us information that can be incorporated in the museum; they have been very useful,” professor of Medicine Dr N P Singh says. “Once opened, this museum will be one of its kind.”
What’s on show?
* Photo gallery showing all visitors since inception, MAMC’s transformation over the years
* All its publications and trophies won till date
* Details about visitors, growth and development of departments
* Info on seven heritage sites in college premises