Background

In June 1987, many of the graduates of Baroda Medical College met at the Alumni Dinner in Atlantic City during the AAPI Convention.  This was arranged through the efforts of our friends Dr. Mukund Patel and Dr. Suvas Desai (then President Elect of AAPI – a Baroda Alumnus).  The idea of a Baroda Medical College Alumni Association was entertained.  With the large number of alumnus settled in various parts of the USA (1100-1200), there was no reason why a strong association could not be established particularly since this had been accomplished by many other colleges.  The need was also recognized.  The meeting ended with an initial goal of correct listing (directory) of all alumni of BMC in the USA.  Dr. Sharad Chitre and Dr. Y.A. Shah volunteered to take this project and develop the first directory of BMCAA, which was published in 1989.

Official Inception

Formation of a formal BMCAA took place during an October 1990 meeting held in Staten Island.  The first Executive Committee was formed.

There was an excellent response to the initial announcement about the formation of BMCAA and resulted in many membership registrations.

The first Executive Committee meeting was held at Binghamton, New York in April 1991.  In view of the enthusiastic response by alumni, a convention was felt to be very essential and a decision was made to organize the first convention to be held December 1991in Daytona, Florida.  Dr. Madhu Parikh volunteered to host the convention, Dr. P.M. Luhar was the chief guest and Dr. Vaishanav also attended the meeting.  

The second BMCAA convention was hosted at Chicago – (Oak Brook – Hyatt Regency) July 15-18, 1993.  The convention committee chairman was Dr. Bharat Barai.  The very successful convention was attended by 500 adults and 200 children.  Various events included CME, Raas Garba, Exhibits, Lake Michigan Cruise, Riverboat Casino, Youth Forum.  The funds raised during the convention were used for different activities at Baroda including the furniture for  Examination Hall and establishment of an audiovisual center.

The Third Executive Committee was elected in July 1993. About 2000 people attended the Baroda (World Convention) held December 30-31, 1994.  Highlights of the convention included CME programs, Gujrati Hasya Kavi Sammelan, a guided tour of the palace, kite flying and optional tours of Pavagadh and Ajiva.  The entertainment included “Mehendi Rang Lagy.”  Palace on wheels and Rajstham Tour was arranged before this convention.