Mangaluru: In a significant step towards advancing holistic healthcare, wellness, research, and academic collaboration, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Center on July 15, 2027. The partnership aims to integrate evidence-based yoga and wellness practices with modern healthcare while further strengthening FMCI’s enduring motto, “Heal & Comfort.”
The MoU was formally signed by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, and Mr. Kushalappa Gowda, Director, Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Center, in the presence of the FMCI Management Committee and members of the Avishkar Yoga Trust.
Partnership to strengthen healthcare, research and education
The collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term partnership based on shared values and a common vision for excellence in education, research, innovation, skill development, and community engagement.
By exchanging knowledge, expertise, and resources, both institutions aim to develop initiatives that benefit students, faculty, healthcare professionals, researchers, and the wider community through interdisciplinary programmes and evidence-based wellness practices.
Yoga complements modern medicine, says Kushalappa Gowda
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kushalappa Gowda expressed his happiness at partnering with one of the region’s most respected healthcare and educational institutions.
Recalling his personal experience at Father Muller Hospital nearly 27 years ago, he said the compassionate care extended by doctors and nurses, along with the healing environment, instilled confidence in patients even before treatment began.
Reflecting on his own journey, he said yoga started as a path of self-realisation before leading him to pursue higher studies, including an M.Sc. in Yogic Science. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in yoga research, he noted that the younger generation, particularly healthcare professionals and students, has increasingly embraced yoga and holistic wellness.
He added that while Avishkar Yoga has collaborated with several educational institutions, its association with Father Muller Charitable Institutions is especially significant because of FMCI’s diverse educational campuses and multi-specialty healthcare services. He expressed confidence that the partnership would result in meaningful research, innovative wellness programmes, and scientific publications benefiting society.
“Yoga is Suyoga,” says Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo
Addressing the gathering in Kannada, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo described yoga as “Suyoga”—the perfect opportunity for wellness and healing that complements the principle that prevention is better than cure.
He emphasised that the MoU is more than a formal agreement and represents a living commitment to mutual learning and growth.
Fr. Faustine observed that nature has always offered pathways to health, with yoga being one of humanity’s greatest gifts. He said the collaboration would enable faculty, students, staff, and healthcare professionals across FMCI campuses to adopt practices that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being while showcasing India’s rich wellness traditions.
He also expressed confidence that the partnership would encourage interdisciplinary research, academic collaborations, and practical wellness initiatives that extend beyond institutional boundaries.
Strengthening holistic healthcare
For over a century, Father Muller Charitable Institutions has remained committed to providing compassionate, patient-centred healthcare that addresses not only physical illness but also emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being.
Beginning with Homoeopathy, the institution has expanded into allopathic medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, pharmacy, physiotherapy, speech and hearing, and several other healthcare disciplines.
Through this collaboration with Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Center, FMCI takes another progressive step towards integrating modern medicine with evidence-based traditional wellness practices.
The institution views yoga as a complementary healthcare approach that supports preventive care, rehabilitation, stress management, mental well-being, lifestyle modification, and improved quality of life.
About Kushalappa Gowda
Mr. Kushalappa Gowda is a distinguished yoga therapist with over 27 years of personal yoga practice and 18 years of teaching experience.
He holds an M.Sc. in Yogic Science, MSW, and M.Phil., and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Yenepoya Research Centre, studying the biochemical and immunological effects of yoga among patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
A nationally recognised yoga educator, he entered the Golden Book of World Records in 2024 by conducting the longest yoga lesson lasting 25 hours and four minutes, while also setting a record for the largest participation of healthcare professionals in a yoga session involving 2,693 participants. He is also a recipient of the Yoga Jyothi Award 2024.
Dignitaries present
During the programme, Dr. Shycil Mathew, Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, outlined the objectives of the MoU and the scope of future collaborations.
The programme was compered by Dr. Kelvin Peter Pais, Liaison Officer and Professor at Father Muller Charitable Institutions, who also welcomed the gathering.
The event was attended by administrators, principals, deans, faculty members, and representatives from various constituent institutions of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, along with representatives of the Avishkar Yoga Trust.
The collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for interdisciplinary research, faculty and student development, therapeutic yoga programmes, community outreach, and evidence-based integrative healthcare, further strengthening Father Muller’s legacy of compassionate and holistic healing.
