St. Gregorios Dental College: A Living Laboratory of Health, Harmony, and Sustainability | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +01 98441 82044
The lush green hills of Chelad is nestled near the famed Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. St. Gregorios Dental College is an institution there that redefines the purpose of education. SGDC is a centre for dental excellence. It has evolved into a model campus where compassion meets innovation, and tradition harmonizes with sustainability.
Under the visionary leadership of Principal Dr. Jain Mathew, SGDC is teaching dentistry by crafting an innovative way of life rooted in social responsibility, environmental harmony, and holistic well-being.
Dr. Jain Mathew took the mantle of the institution with international exposure, immense experience, along with knowhow about the best practices adopted by stalwarts across the spectrum.
Best Practice 1: BRIDGING CULTURES & CRAFTING SMILES: PROMOTION OF ORAL HEALTH IN TRIBALS
SGDC’s flagship initiative, rooted in the ethos of UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), is a shining example of inclusive outreach. The college has adopted a tribal colony, providing not just free dental care, but a full spectrum of medical support, addiction cessation programs, and even transportation services to ensure accessibility. This isn’t charity; it’s a partnership with a forgotten population, a promise that health is a human right, not a privilege of whatever sort.
Through collaborations such as the Tata Trust’s Karkinos Cancer Screening Project, SGDC extends its healing touch far beyond dentistry, addressing wider public health concerns with scientific rigor and heartfelt service. In a notable extension of this mission, SGDC is piloting tele-dentistry solutions and mobile-based health tracking for patients in remote tribal regions; ensuring that care continues even when patients cannot travel. By embracing digital health, the college bridges the gap between remote communities and quality healthcare.
Best Practice 2: ARANYAKAM: WHERE TREES THRIVE, BIRDS ARRIVE
Aligning with UN SDG 15 (Life on Land), SGDC has transformed its campus into a haven for biodiversity. Situated near one of India’s richest ecological zones, the institution has proactively designed its landscape to welcome birds with feeding, nesting, and bathing areas.
A walk through the campus feels like entering a sanctuary of serenity and song. Their unique Nakshatra Vanam (Astrological Tree Garden) hosts 27 sacred trees, each corresponding to a lunar constellation. This ancient concept is reimagined through modern ecological stewardship, blending cultural heritage with conservation science. Partnering with the Social Forestry Department, SGDC has also initiated a Miyawaki-style urban forest on campus, planting over 140 trees in just five cents of land, regenerating green cover at astonishing speeds and setting an example for micro-reforestation in academic spaces. It also integrates the Indian Knowledge System into the field of dentistry, introducing students to the principles of organic medicine and its applications in dental care.
In daily operations, SGDC models environmental responsibility; from zero-waste kitchen practices to rainwater harvesting, solar-powered utilities, and reusable dental kits. Every corner of the campus speaks the language of sustainable living.
Health Starts Within: Distinctiveness “Health for all Gregorians”
What makes SGDC’s philosophy truly transformative is its inward commitment. Every member of the SGDC family, from the principal to the gatekeeper, is part of a robust internal health monitoring system. Inspired by the concept of “oneness,” all staff, lovingly referred to as “Gregorians”, maintain individual health charts that record their medical history, dietary habits, and lifestyle patterns.
Customized wellness plans are then developed, ranging from diet adjustments to exercise regimens. Complementing this physical health focus, SGDC places strong emphasis on mental and emotional well-being. Regular counseling services, yoga sessions, and mindfulness
workshops are offered to students and staff alike, ensuring that wellness is not just a goal, but a culture.
Students as Changemakers
SGDC believes that students are not just future professionals; they are current partners in change. Each student undertakes community immersion projects, working directly with tribal communities or participating in eco-restoration drives. These experiences foster empathy, leadership, and deep-rooted social awareness.
A vibrant peer mentorship program supports new entrants, blending academic guidance with emotional support. This creates a collaborative and compassionate learning environment, reinforcing the core value of shared growth. This commitment to universal well-being ensures that those who care for others are cared for too. It is a powerful message in today’s high-pressure academic environments.
Research, Roots, and Renaissance
While deeply grounded in community and culture, SGDC is also racing ahead with an eye on the future. A dedicated research incubation center is being developed, aiming to transform the institution into a research-driven dental and medical hub. Projects in biomaterials, indigenous medicine, and rural health analytics are already underway.
The campus itself is a self-sustained ecosystem. Canal-fed water systems, herbal gardens, and composting facilities ensure minimal environmental footprint. With no water scarcity and maximum green cover, SGDC has a climate-resilient infrastructure in education.
A New Standard in Dental Education
St. Gregorios Dental College is a movement in dental education. It is a living example of how a dental college can become a microcosm of a sustainable, compassionate society. With plans to evolve into a Center of Excellence in Integrative Health Sciences, SGDC is poised to lead a new wave of institutions that combine science, society, and sustainability in seamless harmony. As Dr. Jain Mathew often says, “We are elevating the college to the next level.”And in many ways, they already have.
