FMCI marks 11th International Yoga Day with unity and enthusiasm

Celebrating holistic health and harmony

Mangaluru, 21 June 2025: Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) came alive with energy and discipline as it hosted the 11th International Yoga Day at the Father Muller Indoor Stadium. Themed “Yoga for Self and Society – One Earth, One Health”, the event brought together over 1,500 faculty and students across all its educational institutions.

The ceremony began with the lighting of the traditional lamp — symbolising enlightenment of body, mind, and spirit through the ancient discipline of yoga. Participants dressed in black and white filled the stadium in coordinated harmony, setting the tone for a session rooted in mindfulness and well-being.

A message from the Director

In his presidential address, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of FMCI, praised yoga as India’s timeless gift to humanity, calling it a means to balance modern stress with inner awareness. “Yoga calms the spirit, sharpens the senses, and connects us with our surroundings. It’s more than fitness — it’s a way of living,” he said.

The event was meticulously organised under the guidance of NSS Faculty Coordinators and Mr. Chandrashekara S. N., Director of Physical Education at FMCI. Dr. Nishitha from the Department of Yoga and Naturopathy led the yoga session, joined by Dr. Nisha, who secured second place in group artistic yoga at the district level.

Spotlight on student excellence

Adding vibrance to the event were live demonstrations by award-winning yoga performers from FMCI. Leading the showcase was Sandrasen P, whose accolades include:

• Honoured by the Central Ministry in 2022

• Five-time State Gold Medalist (2018–2022)

• Winner at National School Games (Kolkata 2019, New Delhi 2022)

• Gold in Artistic Single Yogasana (2021)

• Champion at Kerala School Games (2019)

Joining him were fellow yoga champions Prajwal, Arjun Kumar, Sowhardhika K. H., and Kushi M. R., each contributing to the event’s visual and spiritual impact.

Inclusive participation and recognition

Prof. Dr. Shailaja Katti anchored the event with poise, while FMCI Management Committee members commended the collective effort. Every participant received refreshments as a gesture of gratitude, rounding off the event with a shared moment of joy and community bonding.

All FMCI institutions—including Father Muller Medical College, Father Muller College of Nursing, Physiotherapy, Allied Health Sciences, Speech & Hearing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and its Thumbay campuses—took part enthusiastically, reinforcing FMCI’s mission of holistic, student-centred education.

As yoga continues to gain global recognition, including its mention in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list, FMCI’s celebration was both timely and transformative—embedding mindfulness, wellness, and unity at the core of its values.