SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, January 17: The annual sports and cultural fest ‘Antrangni’ of MBBS students of Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH) began on Friday with a series of indoor sporting events, marking the start of a seven-day celebration on campus.
Principal urges discipline and participation
Inaugurating the festival, SNMMCH Principal Dr R. K. Mahto encouraged students to showcase their hidden sporting talents while maintaining discipline throughout the event. He underlined the importance of sports in ensuring physical fitness and fostering team spirit among future medical professionals.
“Sports activities not only help in maintaining good health but also play a vital role in developing teamwork. Students should participate seriously and perform to the best of their abilities,” Dr Mahto said.
Indoor games mark opening day
The inaugural ceremony witnessed active participation from faculty members, including Hospital In-charge Dr C. S. Suman, who is also the sports in-charge. The principal and senior faculty members formally launched the festival by taking part in games such as badminton, carrom and table tennis.
Addressing the students, Dr Suman advised them to make the most of the opportunity provided by Antrangni to display their sporting skills and competitive spirit.
Cricket returns under new leadership
Dr R. K. Mahto, who assumed charge as principal in December 2025, has allowed students to host the Antrangni sports-cultural fest this year with the inclusion of cricket, which had earlier been banned.
Cricket and certain outdoor events were prohibited during the tenures of former principals Dr Jyotiranjan Prasad and Dr K. K. Lal following disputes and an alleged scuffle between teams, triggering widespread resentment among students.
Reaffirming his support for sports, Dr Mahto said that while he encourages such activities, discipline would not be compromised under any circumstances.
Saraswati Puja finale to be major attraction
The seven-day festival will conclude on January 23, coinciding with Saraswati Puja. A special attraction of the concluding day will be the catwalk by senior faculty members along with their spouses, an event that traditionally draws large participation and attention during the Antrangni celebrations.
Senior faculty members, including Dr Suchima Sinha, Dr Mona Kumari, and Dr Ravi Bhushan, nodal officer of the super-speciality hospital, were present during the inaugural function.
