Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 20: Father Muller College, a unit of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), inaugurated the 20th Batch of the Bachelor in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP), the 7th batch of MSc audiology and MSc speech language pathology, and the 1st batch of PhD (Speech Language Pathology) for the academic year 2026–2027 on July 20 at the Decennial Memorial Hall, Knowledge Centre. The occasion also marked the Vicennial Opening Year (2007–2027), celebrating 20 years of excellence in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.
Prof Cynthia Santhmayor, principal, welcomed the gathering and extended a warm greeting to the newly admitted students and their families.
The Vicennial Opening Year (2007–2027) was formally inaugurated by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, FMCI, together with the dignitaries through a ceremonial click of a digital button. This symbolic gesture triggered a specially designed animation depicting the opening of grand curtains, officially unveiling the Vicennial celebrations and marking the commencement of the institution's twentieth year. This was followed by a commemorative audiovisual presentation that beautifully portrayed the 20-year journey of Father Muller College of speech and hearing, showcasing its milestones in academic excellence, clinical services, research, community outreach, and its evolution from offering undergraduate education to postgraduate programmes and the inauguration of its first PhD programme in speech language pathology.
The chief guest, Dr Ronald Acquin Nazareth, registrar, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), delivered an inspiring address centered on the values of compassion, perseverance, integrity, and professional etiquette. Through a series of thought-provoking anecdotes, he encouraged students to embrace their profession with humility and a genuine desire to serve others. Recalling the life of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, he narrated how Dr Kalam regarded the development of lightweight calipers (by adapting advanced aerospace composite materials to create lightweight orthotic devices) for children affected by polio as one of his most fulfilling achievements, surpassing even his celebrated contributions to India's missile programme. The chief guest urged the students to remember that knowledge attains its highest purpose when used with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to the welfare of society.
As a token of gratitude, the chief guest was felicitated with a memento by Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital.
In his presiding, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, warmly welcomed the students into the Father Muller family and reflected on the remarkable journey of Father Muller College over the past two decades. He highlighted the institution's continued growth in academics, clinical service, research, and community outreach, culminating in the commencement of its first PhD programme in speech language pathology. He encouraged students to pursue holistic development while remaining rooted in the values of compassion, discipline, ethical practice, and service to humanity.
Pancham Ponnana, associate professor – audiology, and the programme co-ordinator of the day, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Melicia Shainy D'Souza, speech language pathologist grade I, and Hadline Rechael Noronha, audiologist grade I, who conducted the proceedings with poise and professionalism.