Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 5: The collegium of students of the educational units of Father Muller Charitable Institutions marked the triple festive occasion of Teacher’s Day, Onam, and Eid-ul-Nabi on Friday, September 5, with a vibrant cultural and competitive event.
The programme was presided over by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director FMCI, and coordinated by Fr Dr Micheal Santhumayor, administrator FMMC/FMCOAHS/FMCOP, and Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, dean, FMMC. The student councils of the three campuses at Kankanady, Derlakatte, and Thumbay came together to organise the celebrations.
The festivities began with a colourful procession from the Carmel Hostel grounds, featuring students representing themes of Indian festivity with dhol, chende, dance, and cheers. The management committee, including priests and deans / principals, walked alongside the students’ parade.
At the Father Muller Convention Centre, the programme opened with the traditional dance forms Pili Vesha and Chende, followed by a prayer dance by students of Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing. The symbolic inaugural was marked by pouring colours, spices, and lentils, symbolising the festive theme, organised by the Father Muller College of Physiotherapy (FMCOP).
Teacher’s Day was celebrated with a song presented by students of Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS) and Father Muller Allied Health Science College (FMAHSC), Thumbay. Dr Blany D'Souza, professor of homoeopathy pharmacy, delivered the Teacher’s Day address, highlighting the eternal and rewarding bond between students and teachers.
In his presidential address, Fr Faustine expressed gratitude to the faculty members for their dedication to shaping students while also playing the roles of parents and counsellors. He noted with joy that UTSAV coincided with major festivities, symbolising India’s diversity, prosperity, and inter-religious harmony.
While acknowledging occasional strife, he emphasised that humanity in every religion ultimately prevails. He praised the student councils of the three campuses for their contribution to the institution’s progress and wished them continued success.
The vote of thanks was delivered by student council president of FMCOP, Ishrath. This concluded the formal programme and set the stage for the competitive segment of UTSAV 2025 – Ethnic Day celebrations, featuring performances themed around Onam, Holi, Dasara, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, Deepavali, and the Nativity of Mother Mary. Judges for the event were Remona Evette Pereira of Golden Book of Records fame, DJ Dixon Machado, multi-talented artist, and choreographer Vinayak Acharya.
Competition results
· First place: Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College & Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Derlakatte
· Second place: Father Muller College of Nursing & Father Muller Allied Health Sciences College, Thumbay
· Third place: Father Muller School and College of Nursing, Kankanady
Earlier in the day, the Pookkalam Design Competition was held, where student councils created intricate floral carpets using natural leaves and petals. Judges for the event were Dr Mahesh, associate professor of radiology, Jyothi Pinto, HR manager, and Dr Namratha Suvarna, former faculty of MHA.
Pookkalam competition results
· First place: Father Muller College of Nursing & Father Muller Allied Health Sciences College, Thumbay
· Second place: Father Muller Medical College
· Third place: Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College & Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Derlakatte
The results were announced by Dr Dane, and prizes were distributed by the FMCI director. Winners received cash prizes and hampers, while consolation hampers were given to other teams. Fr Faustine noted that in his eyes, every student council was a winner for displaying creativity and enthusiasm.
The event was compered by H Prakalya and Vasi Hiram, third-year MBBS students, who kept the audience engaged throughout. The Father Muller College of Nursing also conducted spot games for the audience.
FMCI emphasises inclusivity across its campuses, with a management vision focused on holistic student growth and patient care.