Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 18: The 22nd Graduation Day of Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), the 29th Graduation Day of Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS), and the 28th Graduation Day of Father Muller College of Physiotherapy (FMCOP) were celebrated with grandeur on April 18 at the Father Muller Convention Centre. A total of 518 graduates and postgraduates solemnly professed the healthcare oath, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional journeys.

The ceremonial procession of graduates was led by the College Band of Father Muller College of Nursing, escorting the professors and distinguished dignitaries into the convention centre. A floral tribute to the revered founder, Fr Augustus Muller SJ, was offered by the dignitaries, followed by an invocation hymn led by the students of FMCOP.

The august gathering of dignitaries included the presiding officer, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore diocese and president of FMCI; Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, FMCI; Prof (Dr) Airani Mohammad Khan, vice-chancellor of Karnataka University, Dharwad; Dr S Venkata Raghava, joint director, Directorate of Medical Education, Government of Karnataka; Dr Micheal L Santhumayor, administrator, FMMC/FMCOP/FMCOAHS; Dr Antony Sylvan D'Souza, dean, FMMC; Dr Venkatesh BM, vice dean FMMC; Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator, FMMCH; Dr Uday Kumar, medical superintendent, FMMCH; Dr Shivashankar AR, principal, FMCOAHS; and Prof Cherishma D’Silva, principal, FMCOP.

Delivering the welcome address, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo introduced the presiding officer, chief guest, and guest of honour. In an inspiring metaphor, he exhorted the graduates to emulate the nodes of a bamboo shoot that lend it strength and structure, reminding them that each milestone shapes and fortifies their journey. He urged them to remain rooted in their alma mater, give back to society, and emerge as beacons of the institution’s legacy.

Reports of the respective colleges were then presented by the dean of FMMC and the principals of FMCOAHS and FMCOP, highlighting academic achievements and institutional progress.

Addressing the gathering in eloquent Kannada, Dr S Venkata Raghava advised the graduates to be patient-centric, industrious, and committed to lifelong learning. He emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary understanding, adaptability in resource-limited settings, and ethical practice. Reflecting on the evolving landscape from human intelligence to artificial intelligence, he encouraged graduates to recognise their inner strengths. He also conveyed that he was representing Sharanprakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education, Karnataka.

Prof (Dr) Airani Mohammad Khan extended his best wishes to the graduates, urging them to remain resilient and uphold mutual respect across disciplines. He remarked that despite the challenges of modern times, society continues to place immense trust in healthcare professionals. Highlighting advancements such as telemedicine, robotics, and 3D printing, he envisioned a future where healthcare professionals would embody the precision akin to “engineering doctors.”

In his presidential address, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha congratulated the graduates on attaining this significant milestone. He reflected that the celebration symbolised a relentless pursuit of academic excellence and underscored the necessity of continual learning. He described Father Muller institutions as a sanctuary of dignity and compassionate care. In an era of rapid technological advancement, he urged graduates to preserve the primacy of human touch and serve as sources of light and joy in society.

The graduates received their certificates from the dignitaries, marking the culmination of years of dedication. Among the highlights were the prestigious Best Outgoing Graduate Awards for the year 2025:

• The Late John Linu Varghese Memorial Prize (Best Outgoing BPT Graduate): Ishrat Fatima Abbasi.

• Best Outgoing Graduate of FMCOAHS: Mariyam Zuham PS (Department of BSc AT & OT).

• FMCI President’s Gold Medal (Best Outgoing MBBS Graduate): Dr Krutika Sagri Nayak.

Responding on behalf of the graduating cohort, graduate representative Dr Kirthi Bhat recounted the collective journey through the FMCI campus. Her heartfelt expression of gratitude for her alma mater resonated profoundly with the audience.

Awards recognising academic excellence, sports achievements, and RGUHS rank holders were also presented. All dignitaries were traditionally honoured by the Bishop. The ceremony was compered with finesse by Dr Berton Monteiro, associate professor, department of radiodiagnosis, and Dr Dilon Denis Noronha, assistant professor, department of ophthalmology.

The programme concluded with the rendition of the institutional anthem and the Indian National Anthem. Earlier in the morning, a Eucharistic celebration was held at St Joseph Chapel with Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha as the main celebrant, alongside the priests of the governing board of FMCI, offering thanksgiving for the successful academic journey.