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Like all good films, the formation of BIMA is a very wholesome story with many different characters.
Let’s start with our very own SRK – Harroop. He likes to believe he is a somewhat king, and apparently BIMA’s very own ladies’ man (comm’s words not mine!), but this bacha came up with a genius idea, in no place other than the shower. Wouldn’t it be great to have a place where all Indian people in medicine can interact and help each other out? Viren the Rowdy Rathod, his partner in crime, was fully behind the idea. I mean, come on, what’s not to love about a large group of people all over the country coming together to help each other reach their goals! This stage of the story is where we meet our very own president, Amar, who likes to think he’s a carbon copy of Ranveer Singh… Switch the signature glasses with a stethoscope, and the quirky suits for scrubs – other than that the resemblance is uncanny! These three musketeers joined together to form BIMA!
Next – core committee. Now the way I like to see it is a little bit like in Badrinath ki Dulhania where they have a little interview panel to find Vaidehi’s sister a husband… However the BIMA version was building our little (but not so little) family! What’s an Indian family without the energetic bachas, uncles and aunties, and of course the wise nanni right?! Let’s start with our lead, the heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor – one of our vice presidents, Sidd (aka Mr worldwide medic). Next up, every film needs an equivalent of Anushka Sharma – fun, chilled and an eye for fashion – who better than Sonam, our other vice president (Mother BIMA). Then our secretaries – Anisha (the future Mrs Farhan Akhtar – you heard it here first!) and Samyak (for the sake of this, let’s call him Rajkummar Rao, who is likely to turn his teachings into a best-seller, so watch this space). Last but not least, Niraj, our treasurer – the Abhishek Bachchan of the group! After all this, the rest of the committee were recruited – one big happy family!
6 months on – here we are! I had an inspiring chat with Amar about how BIMA has grown since its first baby steps. The original goals included having a voice for all Indian medics nationally, providing professional development opportunities, support in education and careers, and a network for people to interact. BIMA helps us to gain personal skills and confidence in leadership, alongside developing us as professionals, instead of focussing on the ‘tickbox’ activities for our portfolios. The unique gathering of both students and doctors enables us to gain mentors and friends along the way! Back in October, when everything took off, the committee set some goals and targets. With the sheer number of uni reps and committee members, the phrase ‘teamwork makes the dreamwork’ really does get put into play! BIMA has created a vibrant spirit with an energetic and humble committee, passionate to continue interacting with students and doctors nationally and grow into an even bigger family! The team is motivated to provide the correct tools to help you develop through your careers, of course alongside some desi masti! Whether you want to enhance your learning, gain invaluable guidance from mentors, explore options for your career, or meet new friends - there is something for everyone.
It should be mentioned that BIMA has grown despite the lockdown and covid pressures. Now more so than before, people have the time to focus on themselves, their education and their career. BIMA has hosted a number of sessions by doctors, which have enabled us to continue learning at home alongside many others across the country. These are open to everyone, not just British Indians, with the ability to access what you feel will help you. The social side of things has been difficult, and with that comes building relationships with people from different cities. However, the committee has held some amazing zoom calls, which the events team have pulled off, along with some incredible socials (shout out to desi dates, and to the lucky couple that won – enjoy Dishoom for the rest of us too please!). Hopefully, once a sense of normality returns, we can host some in person socials (ideas welcome!!).
It is incredible to see how BIMA is growing, and we can’t wait for more of you to join us! The work that goes on behind the scenes is immense. When talking to Amar, he paid considerable respects to the entire committee and thanked the team for all the hard work that they have put in. Congratulations team – here’s to more workshops, talks, and events! Happy 6 months!!
Please let us know if you have any ideas for future events and workshops that BIMA can host! We’d love to hear from you :)
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