As we celebrate the historic milestone of the 125th anniversary of the Christian Medical College Vellore, let us, as a global community, reflect on the powerful vision handed down to us by our founder, Dr. Ida Sophia Scudder: ‘We seek to be a witness to the healing ministry of Christ through excellence in education, service, and research’.

This vision of healing can only be realised through our equally powerful motto: Not to be served but to serve’.

For our visionaries, who took up the yoke in response to an undeniable stirring of their spirits, this meant daily surrender and renewal of faith, hope and love.

Today, let the spirit of sacrifice of the early servant-leaders inspire us as we carry the torch into the second quarter of the 21st century.

On 5th January 2025, the CMC Vellore community gathered for a poignant Thanksgiving Service to reflect on the remarkable 125-year journey of the institution. The service was centered around the theme of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, drawn from Lamentations 3:22-23:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

In this Holy Communion service, Dr. Vinod Shah delivered an inspiring message, while Dr. George Mathew, former Principal, shared reflections on CMC Vellore’s legacy and the impact it has had over the years. The event served as a moment for the community to come together in gratitude and reverence for the healing ministry of Christ and the countless lives touched by CMC Vellore.This milestone event marked not only a celebration of the past but also a renewed commitment to continuing the mission of service and care for generations to come.

This initiative, part of the institution’s ongoing celebrations, saw an overwhelming response from the community, with around 35 generous donors coming forward to contribute. Participants included not only CMC Vellore staff and students but also members of the public who were inspired to take part after seeing the event promoted through public hoardings across the town.

The event reflected the spirit of community engagement and social responsibility that has been a hallmark of CMC Vellore’s legacy.

Blood donation, a simple yet vital act, plays a crucial role in saving lives, and the turnout at the camp was a testament to the strong sense of civic duty and the shared commitment to making a difference.

As part of the preventive care initiative, 30 pairs of diabetic footwear were distributed to patients in need, helping to reduce the risk of foot-related complications. The camps served as an important platform for delivering essential endocrine care, with CHAD recording the highest patient attendance at 310 individuals. These outreach efforts demonstrate the value of bringing specialized medical services directly to communities, particularly for chronic conditions requiring ongoing management.

The initiative reflects a commitment to improving access to endocrine care and supporting patients in managing their health conditions effectively. Future camps could build on this foundation by incorporating additional diagnostic services and educational components to further enhance patient outcomes.

In April 2025, these camps provided essential eye care services to a total of 1,429 individuals. Across all locations, 282 patients were advised to undergo cataract surgery, and 389 received free near vision glasses, indicating a continued need for services related to cataract and vision correction.

At LCECU, 500 patients attended the camp, with 110 advised for cataract surgery and 134 receiving glasses. The CDC camp served 239 patients, with 19 advised for cataract surgery and 76 receiving glasses. RUHSA recorded 274 attendees, with 62 cataract referrals and 70 pairs of glasses distributed. The CHAD camp served 416 patients, with 91 referred for cataract surgery and 109 provided with glasses.

The Heritage Lecture Series, initiated as part of the centenary celebrations of the CMC Vellore Town Campus, will be extended into the year 2025 in alignment with the commemorations marking the 125th year of Christian Medical College, Vellore.

The lectures delivered in 2024 primarily focused on the long-standing departments of the Town Campus, offering valuable insights into their history and contributions. In 2025, the scope of the series will be expanded to include departments from other campuses as well, thereby providing a more comprehensive representation of the institution’s legacy.

This initiative offers departments an opportunity to chronicle their historical evolution, significant milestones, notable achievements, and future directions. It also aims to inspire the wider CMC community—particularly our students—who will continue to uphold and advance the institution’s enduring mission and values.

Please find below the link to the YouTube playlist for the entire Lecture Series.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFQGBXq8SkR6hsgX8iuKeKVhVgRkj__lz

The first Luminary Lecture of 2025 was an inspiring and thought-provoking event, featuring Dr. Tom Catena, an internationally renowned surgeon whose work in Sudan has made him a symbol of dedication and compassion under the most extreme conditions.

As part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of Christian Medical College Vellore, this lecture on February 26, 2025, highlighted the theme of service and resilience in healthcare.

Dr. Catena’s talk not only delved into the medical and logistical challenges of operating in such an environment but also offered a deep, personal reflection on the meaning of service, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The three-day event provided a platform for patients, staff, and students to strengthen relationships and engage in sports, games, and cultural activities tailored to their needs.

The Mela featured a wide range of activities, including track and field events, wheelchair races, javelin throw, archery, and indoor games like chess and carroms. The highlight was the Wheelchair Basketball match, where the Rehab Team triumphed over the Mary Verghese Trust (MVT) team.

The final day focused on psycho-socio-spiritual group discussions under the theme “Fallen to Rise,” where patients shared personal experiences and participated in health education sessions.