Mangaluru: Father Muller College of Nursing (FMCON), under the aegis of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), has signed four strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading academic and wellness institutions to strengthen nursing education through interdisciplinary research, innovation, environmental sustainability, and holistic healthcare.
The collaborations, signed over two days, are with Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Center, the Department of Food Science, St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), St. Aloysius College of Engineering, and the Centre for Environmental Studies, Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University).
The initiatives are aimed at enhancing academic exchange, collaborative research, faculty and student development, and community engagement.
Partnership promotes holistic health and wellness
The first MoU, signed on July 15, formalised a partnership with Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Center to promote wellness, holistic healthcare, academic collaboration, faculty and student development, and research in integrative healthcare.
The agreement was signed by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, and Mr. Kushalappa Gowda, Director of Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Center, in the presence of members of the FMCI Management Committee and the Avishkar Yoga Trust.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kushalappa Gowda recalled his personal experience as a patient at Father Muller Hospital nearly 27 years ago, describing the compassionate care and healing environment that inspired him to collaborate with the institution in advancing holistic healthcare.
Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo said the partnership would foster meaningful academic collaborations, interdisciplinary research, and wellness initiatives that would enrich nursing education and patient-centred care.
The objectives of the collaboration were outlined by Dr. Shycil Mathew, Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Kelvin Peter Pais, Liaison Officer, FMCI.
Collaborations with St Aloysius University
Later the same day, FMCON signed two MoUs with St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, establishing partnerships with the Department of Food Science and the St. Aloysius College of Engineering.
The agreements were signed on behalf of FMCON by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo and Rev. Sr. Dr. Dhanya Devasia, Principal of Father Muller College of Nursing.
Representing St. Aloysius University were Rev. Fr. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Daniella Chyne, Head of the Department of Food Science, and Dr. Ruban S., Dean of the School of Engineering.
The collaboration with the Department of Food Science will focus on nutrition education, public health, food science research, faculty and student exchange, joint research projects, community nutrition programmes, workshops, seminars, and extension activities. The partnership also aims to support evidence-based nutrition practices and contribute towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The MoU with the School of Engineering seeks to integrate engineering innovations into nursing education through collaborative projects in healthcare technology, biomedical innovations, digital health solutions, simulation-based learning, research, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building programmes.
Environmental partnership with Yenepoya University
On July 16, Father Muller College of Nursing further expanded its academic collaborations by signing an MoU with the Centre for Environmental Studies, Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University).
The agreement was signed by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo and Rev. Sr. Dr. Dhanya Devasia, while Dr. Aswini Dutt R., Registrar, and Dr. Bhagya Sharma, Deputy Director of the Centre for Environmental Studies, represented Yenepoya University.
The programme began with the felicitation of Dr. Aswini Dutt R. in the presence of Dr. K. S. Gangadhara Somayaji, Vice Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University).
A technical discussion followed, exploring opportunities for collaborative research, environmental health education, faculty exchange, student internships, community outreach programmes, and capacity-building initiatives aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Commitment to future-ready nursing education
Representing Father Muller College of Nursing during the series of MoU signings were Rev. Sr. Dr. Dhanya Devasia, Principal; Dr. Agnes E. J., Vice Principal; Dr. Kaini Cecilia, Professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing; Prof. Ashwin Bromeo J., Head, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing; and Dr. Shycil Mathew, Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing.
According to the institution, the four strategic collaborations reinforce FMCON’s commitment to preparing competent, socially responsible, and future-ready nursing professionals by promoting excellence in education, interdisciplinary research, innovation, environmental sustainability, and holistic wellness in line with its institutional motto, “Heal & Comfort.”
