Down Memory Lane: Deccan Medical College Celebrates 40 Years of Legacy

Hyderabad, February 23: Forty years ago, under the shade of a tree in the old Lutf-ud-Dowla Palace, a dream took root. It was a modest beginning— there were no formal classrooms, and very limited resources, but the vision was clear. Today, those aspirations reflect in the success of the Deccan College of Medical Sciences (DCMS), which has emerged as a premier institution for medical education in the city.

As DCMS marked its 40th anniversary, the celebrations were more than just about milestones; they were a tribute to a journey—one filled with struggles, determination, and a commitment to uplifting the community.

The late Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, fondly remembered as Salar-e-Millat, believed that education and employment were the true markers of empowerment. For him, it wasn’t just about building an institution, it was about creating opportunities where none existed. As Asaduddin Owaisi, Chairman of DCMS, recalled at the Quadrigenia celebrations, “Education alone may not be enough unless people have the political power to claim their constitutional rights. Salar’s vision was to create a generation of educated, self-sufficient individuals – not just voters, but citizens with dignity.”

From a few classrooms in an aging palace, DCMS has today transformed into a thriving medical institution with a nearly 500-bed hospital, a sprawling campus with hostels, cafes, sports facilities, a gym, and a well-laid plan for expansion, audio visual presentations of which enthralled the audience at valedictory session.

The event was also a moment to remember the faculty and staff who dedicated their lives to shaping generations of doctors. Prof. Ashfaq Hasan, Principal of DCMS and Organizing Chairman of Quadrigenia, paid rich tributes to the departed mentors, reflecting on how their hard work and passion laid the foundation for what DCMS is today. “We are not just producing doctors; we are nurturing humane and empathetic healers in a world increasingly driven by technology,” he remarked.

The celebration was filled with nostalgia, as many recalled how Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi’s single-minded determination helped secure permissions for medical and engineering colleges instead of choosing personal political gain. His decisions shaped the futures of thousands, proving that leadership is measured not in votes, but in lives changed.

From its first batch of students to today’s graduates, DCMS has produced over 5,000 doctors, many of whom serve not just in India but in regions of crisis—Gaza, Rohingya, North America, the UK, and beyond. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment to service are a reflection of the values instilled within the institution.

The Chairman of Darus Salam Education Trust congratulated DCMS’s alumni and staff, reaffirming that the ultimate goal of these institutions is to help the community lead a dignified life through education and employment. He reminded the audience of how Salar’s vision went beyond just running institutions – he believed in making people citizens with rights, not just voters.

As the celebrations came to an end, one thing was clear: the tree that was planted 40 years ago continues to grow, nurturing generations of doctors who are spreading the magic of kindness and healing around the world.

Doctors and alumni from around the world, many who specially flew down to Hyderabad for the celebrations, participated in the program, with MIM floor leader and Managing Director of DCMS Akbaruddin Owaisi alongside a distinguished gathering of eminent academicians and community intelligentsia gracing the occasion.