A group of Grant Medical College students staged a peaceful protest on Friday morning against the recent change in control of the Grant Government Medical College Students’ Association (GMCSA) Gymkhana. Around 60 to 80 medical students gathered at the gymkhana grounds near Marine Drive to express their dissatisfaction with the decision, which they say was taken without proper consultation with the student body.
I am writing about this because the gymkhana is not just a sports space for Grant Medical College students, but an important part of campus life and student well-being. For medical students dealing with intense academic pressure and long hours, access to open grounds and sports facilities plays a key role in maintaining physical and mental health. Any change in how such spaces are managed naturally raises concerns, especially when students feel their voices were not heard. This protest highlights a broader issue of student participation in decisions that directly affect their daily lives on campus.
What Triggered the Protest
The protest was sparked by a recent shift in control of the GMCSA Gymkhana, a space traditionally associated with student activities and sports. Students claim that the decision alters the way the gymkhana will be accessed and managed, potentially limiting their use of the facilities.
The gymkhana currently includes:
- An open मैदान used for general sports and recreation
- Old but functional sports facilities
- A cricket pitch that is shared with the Police Gymkhana
Students fear that changes in control could affect access timings, usage rights and future development of the ground.
Students’ Main Concerns
Protesting students said they were unhappy that the decision was made without meaningful consultation with the GMCSA or the wider student community. Many feel that as primary users of the gymkhana, students should have been involved in discussions from the beginning.
Key concerns raised include:
- Possible reduction in student access to the grounds
- Uncertainty over scheduling and shared usage
- Long-term impact on sports and extracurricular activities
- Lack of transparency in decision-making
Several students pointed out that medical colleges already have limited open spaces, making the gymkhana especially valuable.
Importance of the Gymkhana for Medical Students
For Grant Medical College students, the gymkhana is more than just a sports facility. It serves as a rare open space in South Mumbai where students can unwind after demanding hospital duties and academic schedules.
Regular sports and physical activity help students manage stress, build teamwork and maintain overall health. Any restriction on these facilities, students argue, directly affects their quality of life on campus.
Peaceful Nature of the Protest
Students who gathered at the gymkhana grounds maintained that the protest was peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to their concerns rather than creating disruption. They hoped that the demonstration would prompt college authorities to reconsider the decision or at least open a dialogue with student representatives.
There were no reports of damage or confrontation during the gathering.
What Students Are Asking For
The protesting students are primarily seeking clarity and dialogue. Their demands include:
- A formal explanation of the change in control
- Assurance that student access will not be reduced
- Involvement of GMCSA in future decisions
- Transparent policies regarding shared use of the ground
Many said they are open to discussion if their concerns are addressed respectfully.
Administration’s Response Awaited
As of now, students are waiting for an official response from the college administration regarding the protest and the concerns raised. They hope that authorities will engage with GMCSA representatives to resolve the issue amicably.
