Once in a while, someone will ask me about why I started GMCCOSA. The one word answer is ‘kida’ (literally ‘insect’ - wonder if this word is still in vogue). For those who know what this means, I need not say any more. For those who do not know the significance of a ‘kida’, there aren’t enough words to explain it. Nevertheless, let me try and define a ‘kida’. It is a strong and irresistible impulse that comes from the heart at the spur of the moment and overrides any indications from the brain to annihilate that urge. The size of the ‘kida’ determines the odds against it and the effort needed to accomplish it. Examples include simple things like ‘kida to bunk a class’ or complicated issues like ‘kida to come to the USA’. So to summarize, GMCCOSA was my ‘kida’ (the first website I put together is still functional – gmccosa.tripod.com). However, one of the biggest challenges of a ‘kida’ is that it can fizzle out as quickly as it forms, and I have to give due credit to my co-editors for helping sustain my GMCCOSA ‘kida’ (almost 6 years now and counting!).

We (the Editorial board) try hard to keep people connected with each other and with GMCH. This is thanks to alumni and students who send us photographs, gossip, tidbits and updates. This is our biggest encouragement and always makes us look forward to the next edition of this newsletter, since we are eager to share with others what you have shared with us. And to accomplish this, we try to be informal – there are no bylaws for GMCCOSA and we don’t have any designations. There are no fees or application forms to be a member. And we represent all GMCH graduates and students wherever in the world they might be. We do get an occasional accolade from graduates of other medical colleges, and I can safely say that no other medical college in India can boast of an alumni and student network such as ours.

However, we also feel that it now time for Change (apologies to Barack Obama for borrowing his campaign slogan). We are keen for even greater involvement by students and alumni. As one of my co-editors lamented, we do not want Connections to be a “booklet which just a few of us use to purge out our pent up (mis)adventures”. So do write to us. Do send us your thoughts and reflections. Email us your photographs. Tell us about nostalgic moments that you have experienced during and after GMCH. Give us ideas about how we can connect you even more, about how we can have GMCCOSA serve you better. Want to join the Editorial Board, send us an email. The only required qualification is the ability and interest to write and be committed to the cause of GMCCOSA – to connect GMCH alumni and students. 

And while you are thinking of great ideas to make GMCCOSA even better, stay connected. Finally, accomplish your ‘kidas’ in this lifetime – if possible, try not to take a ‘kida’ to your grave!

PS: Email your ideas to gmccosa@yahoo.com