Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 8: As part of World Physiotherapy Day 2026, the Father Muller College of Physiotherapy (FMCOP) organised an awareness initiative under the theme ‘The role of physiotherapy and physical activity in the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease and stroke’.
The initiative highlighted the role of physiotherapy and physical activity in preventing, managing, and rehabilitating cardiovascular disease and stroke. It aimed to create awareness about the importance of reducing prolonged sitting, adopting an active lifestyle, and incorporating regular physical activity into daily life to promote cardiovascular health, prevent stroke, and improve overall well-being.
On this occasion, the director of FMCI officially released an awareness video, while the administrators of the various institutions under FMCI released awareness pamphlets, both carrying the message ‘Sit Less, Move More’. These initiatives aim to create awareness about the importance of regular movement and reducing prolonged sitting, while highlighting the role of physiotherapy and physical activity in the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Dr Garima Gupta, the organising secretary, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of collective efforts in promoting awareness regarding physical activity and preventive healthcare.
The occasion was further graced by the presence and inspiring addresses of Prof Cherishma D'Silva and Fr Faustine, director, who appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of incorporating regular movement and physical activity into everyday life.
The programme was a collective initiative of the department of neurological sciences, FMCOP. The faculty members of the department, Prof Sydney Rebello, Rinku Roshan, and Dr Garima Gupta, along with the first-year postgraduate students of the neurological sciences unit, worked together with great enthusiasm and dedication in planning, preparing, and successfully executing the awareness initiative. Through this initiative, Father Muller College of Physiotherapy reinforced the simple yet powerful message:
‘Sit Less, Move More – Move Towards Better Health’
The initiative will be launched today and will continue as a month-long awareness drive across Mangalore and its surrounding areas. As part of the campaign, awareness and outreach programmes are currently planned at the New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT), St Sebastian’s Church, Perumannur, and the CISF Camp, among other locations.
This initiative aims to promote the importance with a special focus on physical activity, cardiovascular health, stroke prevention, and the role of physiotherapy in prevention, management, and rehabilitation.
The programme reflects FMCOP’s continued commitment to promoting community health, preventive healthcare, stroke prevention, cardiovascular well-being, and the vital role of physiotherapy in improving health, functional independence, and quality of life.