DMCH’s environmental campaign turns into green legacy

In a quiet yet powerful shift from ceremony to sustainability, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), Ludhiana, has redefined environmental leadership in academic spaces. Under the visionary guidance of Secretary, DMCH Managing Society, Bipin Gupta, the institution’s ‘Save the Planet’ campaign is transforming the way healthcare professionals view public service—not just as healing bodies, but as nurturing the planet.

What began as a symbolic gesture—replacing ceremonial bouquets with seed packets at CMEs and departmental events—has become a meaningful act of environmental advocacy. Each seed handed to a student or faculty member represents a pledge, an invitation to grow, and a commitment to ecological responsibility.

“It felt good to be handed over seeds instead of flowers—it’s something I will actually plant, watch it grow, and remember,” shared a student participant.

On World Environment Day, DMCH launched its ambitious green movement, pledging to plant 10,000 trees within a month. “Faculty, students and staff of our institution participated in the event with enthusiasm. Fuelled by deep-rooted commitment and wide community participation, the effort exceeded expectations, resulting in the plantation of 36,000 trees after the launch of the initiative, said Gupta.

Gupta highlighted that one must think carefully about how one’s actions affect the environment. Awareness is what will help us leave behind clean air and water for our future generations, he said.

The heart of the campaign is the newly developed Koshdhara Forest, a dense, self-sustaining green zone created using the Miyawaki afforestation technique—inspired by the work of EcoSikh NGO. The forest stands as a living testament to DMCH’s bold stride towards combating air pollution, soil degradation and biodiversity loss.

To celebrate and incentivise student-led action, Rs 3.5 lakh was awarded to those who planted the maximum number of trees as part of the plantation drive. Their relentless dedication sets a standard and sparks inspiration for future healthcare professionals.

Principal, DMCH, Dr GS Wander, underscores the campaign’s deeper purpose—intertwining environmental consciousness with medical education. “DMCH aims to nurture doctors who not only treat patients but also serve as advocates for planetary health. We’re nurturing not just future doctors, but eco-leaders. This campaign is proof that healing can begin with a seed,” said Dr Wander.

Looking ahead, DMCH’s environmental roadmap in Phase II includes planting one lakh trees over the coming months, integrating composting and zero-waste practices within hospital and community settings and promoting preventive ecological care to improve air quality, support biodiversity and nurture public health.

With students, faculty, staff and families joining hands, the ‘Save the Planet’ campaign is fast becoming more than an initiative—it is a sustained movement, one that places environmental stewardship at the heart of healthcare and public life in Punjab.