Mangaluru: The 182nd Birth Anniversary of Rev. Fr Augustus Muller SJ was celebrated with great fervour on 13 March 2023 as Founder’s Day annually celebrated by the Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI). The Founder’s Day in essence represents the ‘soul’ of the institution its Management, faculty and staff who toil in the intuitions with the motto of “heal & Comfort” in the lines of their Founder.

The Eucharistic Celebration was led by the Bishop of Mangalore and President of FMCI His Lordship Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha who in his homily highlighted the works of Rev. Fr Augustus Muller as a ‘Man of Mission’ to serve the neglected, disowned and disease inflicted, encompassing them in the Love of Christ. The sense of Belonging that the Management, Faculty and Staff exhibit in these institutions is exceptional, with their hard toil the fruit of healing carried on and the Dedication of staff and students in their mission of learning, healing and giving ever more exuberated in this campus, which is even more encouraging to the Management. The thanks, read by the Director FMCI conveyed the greetings of the day to those gathered and wholeheartedly thanked the Bishop for being present in spite of his busy schedule.

The Cultural programme which began from the Chapel with a procession began with a festive atmosphere with larger-than-life-sized dolls, a brass band and an honour procession of festive umbrellas held by the FMMCH incharges for the dignitaries.

The welcome address by Director FMCI Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho brought out sentiments of joy and appreciation for all the Mullerian Family who toil in the vineyard of the Lord to accomplish its mission in healing and care. Though trying times had befallen the institutions, zealous energy springs forth from its union of faculty, staff and students who invariably are the strengths of the institutions. A floral tribute was showered to a portrait of Rev. Fr Augustus Muller SJ by the dignitaries and the Management Committee Members.

His Lordship Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha in his presidential address spoke of the joy of being one as a family and the need to be inclusive and accepting. The moment we lose ourselves to the greed of the world we stop being spiritual creatures and thus liken ourselves to animal kind. What makes us human is the single spirit we share and thus the atmosphere of love should always prevail. Though the rainbow has many colours, light is plain white.”

The cultural extravaganza which brought out the talents of the faculty and staff where exhibited in the 1750 seater Father Muller Convention Center where this time the students were the audience, hooting and clapping with every beat. The various units of FMCI exhibited their talents to showcase outstanding performances that were even channelled live for their family and friends.

The Father Muller Hospital Thumbay (FMHT) rendered a prayer song with Father Muller College (Speech and Hearing), FMC displaying a welcome dance with ethnicity to perfection. A colourful dance of the rainbow was presented by the Father Muller School and College of Nursing (FMSON/FMCON) representing the good from the ills of life. This was followed by a heart-thumping performance by the Father Muller Medical College Hospital which exhibited the union of the Indian film industry as a source of livelihood for millions having the background of a hospital scenario. The Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital (FMHMCH) depicted the journey and life of Rev. Fr Augustus Muller SJ and his calling for healing to the region through a mime. The Father Muller Medical College (FMMC) and the Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS) displayed a myriad of south Indian dances choreographed to the evergreen, ever-loved dance numbers.

The prizes for the group sports events were given to the winners of Badminton, Lagori, Tug-of-War, Cricket and Throwball. The Founder’s Day programme culminated with the Institutional Anthem followed by a sumptuous vegetarian dinner. The students and staff were entertained by DJ Chris at the Father Muller Grounds.

The Father Muller Charitable Institutions hold annually the sports and Cultural meet for its Faculty and staff which culminates with a cultural extravaganza and prize distribution on Founder’s Day. This year the sports meet was chaired by Rev. Fr Roshan Crasta (Administrator FMHMCH) and the Cultural meet by Fr George Jeevan Sequeira (Asst Administrator FMMCH).