GDCH to launch CM's dream project ‘Spark' in Nagpur
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Dr Darshan Dakshindas, nodal officer for the Spark project at GDCH, told TOI that the programme will begin this academic year as a pilot project in city schools. "Spark will be a school-based programme focused on spreading awareness, conducting research, and sharing knowledge about oral health among school students. Importantly, it will educate children on the harmful effects of tobacco and other oral health hazards, so we can prevent the next generation from falling prey to such deadly habits," he said.
Dr Dakshindas added that if successful, the project, described as the dream initiative of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, will be scaled up across Maharashtra. The district administration, local schools, and GDCH will jointly implement the programme, which also aims to provide free dental treatment to students diagnosed with oral diseases during these school-based camps.
Meanwhile, the 58th foundation day of GDCH Nagpur was celebrated on Friday.
Established in 1968, the institution remains one of Central India's premier centres for dental education and care.
Dr Mangesh Fadnaik, dean and president of the GDCH Alumni Association, presided over the function. Chief guest Dr TR Guru Raja Rao, retired dean of Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences, Bangalore, delivered the Foundation Day lecture titled "My Journey in Dentistry and Beyond."
Dr Fadnaik highlighted the institution's progress and achievements in recent years, while Dr Rao encouraged students and faculty to embrace advances in dentistry, such as artificial tooth replacements and implant surgeries.
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The GDC Bhushan Awards were conferred on three distinguished alumni: Dr TR Guru Raja Rao (first batch), Dr Surendra Padmawar (second batch), and Dr Rameshwar Dolas (third batch). The event also saw the release of the GDC Diamond Jubilee Brochure.
Several academic and alumni-instituted awards were presented to meritorious students, recognising achievements in academics, research publications, innovation, outreach activities, and overall performance.
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