Mangaluru: Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day on August 15 with a programme that brought together the institution’s management, faculty, staff, students, patients and bystanders in a shared expression of patriotism, gratitude and reflection.
The celebration combined the solemnity of the national occasion with a message on the responsibilities that accompany freedom. The programme highlighted India’s achievements over eight decades while encouraging members of the Father Muller family to contribute towards building a more compassionate, just and responsible society.
Celebration begins with prayer
The programme commenced with a prayer hymn presented by students of Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences. Their rendition set a reverent tone for the day’s proceedings.
Mr Ashwin Bromeo, Professor and Head, Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, Father Muller College of Nursing, welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest, Dr Anil Shetty, Professor and Head, Department of Paediatrics, Father Muller Medical College.
Dr Anil Shetty has been associated with Father Muller since 2000. He has served as Editor-in-Chief of the Muller Journal of Medical Sciences and Research since September 2015 and has published more than 40 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals.
An avid quizzer, he is Co-founder and Vice-President of the Mangalore Quizzing Foundation and has also written extensively about the history of Mangaluru for mainstream media.
His association with Father Muller carries a personal connection as well. He grew up in the Father Muller quarters, where his father, Dr A. Vishwanath Shetty, served as the institution’s first paediatrician and established the Department of Paediatrics.
Tricolour hoisted with pride
The highlight of the celebration was the hoisting of the National Flag by Dr Anil Shetty.
As the Tricolour unfurled, the gathering stood in salute, followed by the National Anthem. The presence of security personnel in disciplined formation added solemnity and ceremonial dignity to the occasion.
The flag-hoisting brought together members of the Father Muller community in a moment of collective pride and remembrance of the sacrifices associated with India’s freedom struggle.
Reflecting on India’s journey since Independence
Addressing the gathering, Dr Anil Shetty recalled former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s historic Independence Day speech, “Tryst with Destiny”, and reflected on India’s journey during the eight decades since Independence.
He highlighted India’s progress in several areas, including its growing global presence in the economy, industry and foreign policy. He also referred to the country’s achievements in space exploration, the growth of digital payments and India’s emergence as a global information technology hub.
At the same time, he noted that challenges such as malnutrition, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, corruption and declining human compassion continue to require attention.
Dr Shetty emphasised that freedom is not merely the absence of foreign rule but also carries a responsibility to build a society founded on dignity, justice, compassion and humanity.
Father Muller as a reflection of India’s diversity
Dr Shetty described Father Muller Charitable Institutions as an “Indian cosmos”, bringing together faculty, students and patients from different parts of the country in pursuit of education, opportunity and healthcare.
He appreciated the institution’s management for its progressive approach and its efforts to support institutional growth while ensuring that individuals feel valued and cared for.
He noted that the ethos of Father Muller brings together education and service, medicine and compassion, with people from diverse backgrounds united by a shared commitment to healing and comfort.
Concluding his address, Dr Shetty encouraged everyone to use the 80th Independence Day as an opportunity to become a better citizen, a better member of the Father Muller family and a better version of oneself.
Students present patriotic song
Patriotism found expression through music when students of Father Muller College of Physiotherapy presented a patriotic song.
The performance added an emotional dimension to the celebration, with the students using music to express their pride in the nation. The programme continued to emphasise the role of the younger generation in carrying forward the values and aspirations associated with India’s Independence.
Dr Anil Shetty felicitated
As a gesture of appreciation, Rev. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, felicitated Dr Anil Shetty and presented him with a gift in recognition of his presence and his Independence Day address.
The programme was compered by Ms Melissa Saldanha, faculty member, Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing. She guided the proceedings and proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of the organising committee.
Father Muller community comes together
The celebration was attended by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI; Rev. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital; priests of the management; the Dean; Principals; Heads of Departments; faculty members; staff; students; patients and their bystanders.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Rev. Dr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College. Mr Chandrashekhar, Physical Director, Father Muller Medical College, and Mrs Sushma assisted with the arrangements and ceremonial requirements.
The Nursing Services Department, headed by Sr Nancy Mathias, distributed sweets to those gathered, adding a note of celebration and fellowship to the occasion.
A renewed commitment to service
The 80th Independence Day celebration at Father Muller Charitable Institutions served not only as a commemoration of India’s freedom but also as an opportunity for reflection on the responsibilities of citizens and institutions.
The programme highlighted India’s achievements while acknowledging the challenges that remain. It also connected the nation’s larger journey with the mission of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, where healthcare, education, compassion and service form the foundation of its work.
As India marks 80 years of Independence, the celebration renewed the institution’s commitment to contributing to a nation that is healthier, more compassionate, just and humane.
The Tricolour flying over the Father Muller campus thus became a symbol not only of India’s historic journey but also of the responsibility of every generation to carry forward the values of freedom, service, integrity and unity.
