A Dream Takes Shape
In the heart of Sevagram, there once stood a canteen that would forever be etched in the memories of medical students spanning from the 1980 batch to the 2015 batch.

This canteen was none other than Goras, a small oasis of milk products derived from cow’s milk, and its story began with the dreams of a young and determined 18-year-old named Dhananjay Patil.

Dhananjay was a shy and tongue-tied boy, wearing an unassuming look. However, he quickly learned the art of making his dishes and beverages speak volumes for themselves.

Though Dhananjay had faced setbacks in his studies, his spirit remained undeterred. He had spent years working under Apte Guruji, sweeping floors and arranging books in the Mahadev Bhavan library. However, the desire to create something of his own was burning inside him. Inspired by his father, Gulabrao, who had devoted his life to Goras Bhandar in Maganwadi, Wardha—an organisation known for its milk products and delectable Goraspak—Dhananjay set his sights on starting something special.

A few medical students helped him break free from his father’s shadow.

In 1984, Goras came to life, albeit in a humble form. Dhananjay set up as a hawker, selling bread, biscuits, and the beloved Goraspak in a tin shade, which once stood where the Central Bank of India was located in Sevagram. Right in front stood Gulabsingh’s Sevagram General Store.

Little did anyone know that fate had grander plans in store for Goras.

In 1990, Mr. Kanakmal Gandhi granted him a small shop right in front of the hospital gate, exactly where Dhananjay had started his business in that tin shade years ago. With this, a new chapter in the history of Goras unfolded, and the young entrepreneur began preparing and selling a delightful array of beverages – milk, tea, and coffee.

A Journey of Culinary Wonders
As fate would have it, Dr. Suhas Jajoo, a young plastic surgeon, joined the hospital’s surgery department in the mid-1980s. Suhas—a self-proclaimed foodie—took Dhananjay under his wing, teaching him the art of crafting cold coffee, lassi, and an assortment of delightful beverages.

Paresh Desai (1980 batch) takes us on a delightful journey back in time. He fondly recalls the days when Dhananjay’s father, a staunch Gandhian with his Khadi attire and cap, held a sway over the young boy’s life.

Paresh reminisces, “Sudip Ghosh (1983 batch) and I saw great potential in Dhananjay, and we encouraged him to step beyond tradition. Beyond the hot milk and Goras Pak, we suggested he explore ice-cold delights.”

He continues with a nostalgic glint in his eye, “Banana shakes, mango shakes, milkshakes, and lassi began captivate the customers—quenching their hunger and thirst with every delightful sip. The canteen transformed into a realm of culinary wonders as we shared endless business ideas with Dhananjay.”
The medical students, eager to contribute to the canteen that had become an integral part of their lives, also pitched in with ideas and support. Encouraged and inspired, Dhananjay kept innovating and experimenting, continually raising the bar for his humble canteen.

In 1994, Dhananjay decided to expand the canteen’s offerings and transformed it into a vibrant juice center. Fresh oranges, sweet limes, and other succulent fruits adorned the shelves, tempting passersby to indulge in the goodness.

The air now filled with the delightful aroma of freshly squeezed fruit juices. The tempting flavors of orange and sweet lime invited the taste buds of students and residents, and soon, chocolate shakes joined the menu as a crowd favorite.

To realize his vision, Dhananjay secured loans from the Central Bank of India. With a mixer machine, refrigerators, and grinders, he created a cozy hangout space where up to 25 customers, mostly medical students, residents, and young faculty, could relax and savor their favorite beverages.

Word of Goras’ charm spread like wildfire among the medical students and young faculty members. From the crack of dawn till well past 9 pm, Dhananjay toiled tirelessly, serving the students’ voracious appetites. Whether it was before their lectures in the Anatomy lecture hall, after bedside clinics, or in the evening before library visits, Goras became their haven of refreshment and relaxation.

A Hub of Togetherness
With his ever-present smile, Dhananjay catered to the needs of over 300 customers every day. Goras had evolved into a bustling hub of activity, where animated conversations and cheerful laughter reverberated. For medical students, Goras offered a much-needed respite from their demanding studies—a place to unwind, share stories, and forge friendships over glasses of refreshing juice.

Yet, Goras was not just about beverages; it had a delicious array of treats to complement the drinks. Sandwiches, stuffed with fresh vegetables and flavorful spreads, provided a quick and satisfying meal for students on the go. Aloo Paranthas, made with love and a generous dollop of ghee, offered a taste of comfort and home. And for those looking for heartier options, the veg burgers became the star of the show, with a burst of flavors that delighted their taste buds.

Under Dhananjay’s warm and hospitable care, Goras became more than just a canteen—it became a gathering spot for friends, colleagues, and strangers who were soon embraced as part of the Goras family. The conversations that flowed over those glasses of fruit juice forged friendships that would last a lifetime.

In 1996, Dhananjay’s father, Gulabrao, retired from Goras Bhandar in Wardha, and both his younger brothers, Sharad and Ratnakar, joined him in running the canteen. With the growing number of patrons, they expanded their team, hiring six more helping hands to keep Goras thriving.

Goras became one of the most frequented spots in Sevagram. Long after the medical students had graduated from MGIMS, they would return to their alma mater, retracing their steps to Goras, reliving the nostalgia of their days when Goras had been their constant source of nourishment and joy.

The End of an Era
But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. In 2015, Goras closed its doors for the last time. Dhananjay faced insurmountable challenges, finding reliable help and battling stiffer competition from new canteens that had sprung up in the vicinity.

The once amiable and appreciative customers seemed replaced by quarrelsome ones who didn’t honor their debts. And to add to his woes, local goons began to harass and threaten him, disrupting the tranquility that once defined Goras.

With a heavy heart, Dhananjay made the heart-wrenching decision to bid farewell to the three-decade-old establishment that had touched the lives of thousands of medical students in Sevagram. Goras had not only nourished their bodies but had become an inseparable part of their cherished student life, leaving behind memories that would forever linger in the corridors of their minds.

A Cherished Memory
Goras left behind a legacy that went beyond milk products and tasty treats. It symbolized the power of a small canteen to unite a community and create lasting bonds. For the medical students of Sevagram, Goras will forever be a cherished memory, representing the simple joys and strong bonds that made their time in medical school so special.