Mangaluru: Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), Mangaluru, announced its upcoming Graduation Days 2026 during a press briefing held on April 13, 2026. The institution revealed that a total of 856 graduates from various constituent colleges will take their professional oath and receive degrees over a three-day ceremony scheduled from April 16 to April 18, 2026.

The press meet brought together key members of the management, academic leadership, and media, highlighting the scale and significance of the annual academic event that reflects FMCI’s legacy of excellence and value-based education.

Leadership outlines vision and unique ceremony elements

Addressing the gathering, Director Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo emphasised that the Graduation Days are not merely ceremonial but represent the institution’s enduring commitment to academic excellence and holistic formation.

He noted a distinctive change in tradition this year, as graduates will not wear the customary mortarboard caps. Instead, they will don specially designed sashes representing their respective colleges and receive framed certificates, adding a personalised touch to the ceremony.

He further highlighted the importance of recognising merit through prestigious honours such as the President’s Gold Medal and various institutional awards instituted in memory of former leaders, benefactors, and academicians.

Three-day graduation schedule announced

The Graduation Days will be conducted over three days, each dedicated to specific institutions under FMCI.

April 16: Homoeopathic Medical College

The first day will feature the 36th Graduation Ceremony of Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College. A total of 111 graduates, including 19 postgraduates, will receive their degrees.

The ceremony will include the conferment of degrees, professional oath-taking, and presentation of awards such as the President’s Gold Medal, Award of Excellence, Best Outgoing Postgraduate, Best Student Researcher Award, and several university honours.

April 17: Medical and allied health programmes

On April 17, the Graduation Day for Medical, Allied Health, and Physiotherapy colleges will be held. A total of 518 graduates will be conferred degrees across programmes including MBBS, BPT, MPT, and allied health sciences.

The event will be graced by prominent dignitaries, and awards recognising academic and research excellence will be presented, including the President’s Gold Medal for the MBBS programme.

April 18: Nursing and speech & hearing

The final day, April 18, will focus on Nursing and Speech & Hearing programmes. A total of 177 nursing graduates across various courses will receive their degrees, along with students from speech and audiology programmes.

The ceremony will also include multiple institutional awards and recognition of university ranks, celebrating the academic achievements of students across disciplines.

Thanksgiving mass and distinguished presence

A thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration will be held on April 16 at St Joseph Chapel, with Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore and President of FMCI, as the main celebrant.

He will also preside over the Graduation Days on April 16 and 17, while Most Rev. Dr Bernard Moras, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore, will preside over the ceremony on April 18, adding spiritual significance and solemnity to the occasion.

Commitment to excellence and service

The Graduation Days 2026 reflect FMCI’s continued dedication to academic excellence, professional integrity, and service-oriented education. The ceremonies mark a significant milestone in the lives of graduating students as they prepare to enter the healthcare profession.

Concluding the press briefing, the FMCI leadership extended an invitation to the media to be part of the celebrations and share the institution’s achievements with the wider community. The event coordination involved Mr Elias Fernandes of Fourwinds Communications, while Dr Kelvin Peter Pais served as the liaison officer.