Mangaluru: The Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) concluded its World Diabetes Day Campaign with a valedictory ceremony on 15 November 2025, marking the close of a week-long series of awareness and wellness activities organised by the Department of Community Medicine. The programme highlighted the global theme of “Diabetes and Well-being in the Workplace”, underscoring the importance of preventive health among working professionals.
Dr Sudeep K, Professor of Endocrinology, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, was the Chief Guest, and Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo presided over the function.

Campaign aims to promote active and healthy lifestyles

Welcoming the gathering, Dr Sudhir Prabhu, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, stressed the urgency of diabetes awareness in India, noting its distinction as the “Diabetes Capital of the World.” He highlighted that seven in ten adults with diabetes globally belong to the working-age population, making workplace health a crucial concern.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Guest Dr Sudeep K emphasised the need for lifestyle modification at a young age. He cautioned against the rising trend of “skinny-fat” or central obesity among Indians, which increases the risk of developing diabetes nearly a decade earlier with every generation. He urged the audience to prioritise diet, physical activity, and preventive care rather than relying solely on tertiary treatment.

In his presidential remarks, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo reflected on declining physical activity due to administrative responsibilities. He encouraged simple but consistent habits such as daily walking and commended the Chief Guest as a role model for health and discipline.

Highlights from the week-long diabetes awareness campaign

FMCI organised several activities from 5–14 November, designed to empower staff and students to adopt sustainable health habits. Key initiatives included:

  • Steps for Awareness Challenge, with over 400 participants across 50 departments
  • Campus illumination in blue on 14 November — and again on the day of the valedictory — symbolising global solidarity for diabetes awareness

Dr Madhu Malar, Senior Resident, Community Medicine and campaign coordinator, announced the prize winners.

Prize Winners

Bookmark Designing Competition

  • Winner: Ms Andria Dsouza (2022)
  • 1st Runner-up: Mr Vamshith Shetty, Intern
  • 2nd Runner-up: Ms Jana Mry Chacko (2024)

Steps for Awareness Challenge

Individual Category:

  • Steps Champion 2025: Mr Santhosh Veigas (Director’s Office)
  • Heart Points Champion 2025: Ms Veena Mary Dsouza (Microbiology Department)

Department Awards:

  • Top Step Count: Director’s Office (4 participants)
  • Top Heart Points: Accounts Department (11 participants)
  • Unity in Wellness Award 2025: Department of Pharmacology (10 participants)

Special Recognition Awards were presented to:
FMCON College Office (6), Simulation & Skills Centre (3), Department of Microbiology (7),
Ms Jyothi Crasta (AHS), Dr Shruthi Ashok Pai (General Medicine), Ms Chaitra P (Research Centre),
Dr Ancy George (Homoeopathy), Dr Devina E Rodrigues (Community Health Nursing),
Ms Joylan Dsouza (Billing), Mr Prakash Vegas (Physiology)

Programme dignitaries and expert talks

The event was attended by Rev. Dr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College; Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean; and Dr Venkatesh B. M., Vice-Dean.
Dr Sowmya Bhat, Professor of Community Medicine, introduced the Chief Guest, while Dr Moira D’Souza, Associate Professor, delivered the Vote of Thanks.

Two engaging health talks enriched the programme:

  • Ms Afsheena Ayesha, Clinical Dietician, Manipal University: “Practical Tips on How to Prepare a Healthy Plate”
  • Ms Christy Tomy, Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapist, FMCP: “Ways to Stay Active at the Workplace”

Significance of World Diabetes Day

Observed globally on 14 November, World Diabetes Day marks the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin. FMCI adopted the local theme “Know More and Do More for Diabetes at Work” to highlight workplace well-being.

The front façade of Father Muller Medical College Hospital was illuminated in blue — a symbolic reminder to the community to “Be fit and be fine.”