Mangaluru: Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College, Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Father Muller Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical Division have jointly announced PRERANA – Science Fest 2026, an initiative aimed at encouraging school and pre-university students to explore science through interactive and experiential learning.

The two-day science fest will be held on October 27 and 28, 2026, at the Father Muller Campus, Deralakatte, Mangaluru, exclusively for PUC and high school students.

As a prelude to the event, the official posters of PRERANA – Science Fest 2026 and MEDSTART ’26 were unveiled on August 22 in the presence of the institution’s dignitaries and organising team.

Science beyond the classroom

PRERANA – Science Fest 2026 is designed to provide young learners with opportunities to explore science beyond conventional classroom learning. The fest will feature a Science Exhibition, interactive activities, hands-on learning experiences and more than 13 competitions, with prizes worth over ₹1.5 lakh.

The competitions will cover a variety of scientific, creative and problem-solving activities. They include Sherlock Challenge – Short Play, Science Quiz, One-Minute Scientist, Science Debate, Junk to Genius, AI Flyer Making, Shark Tank, Science Escape Room, Thematic Cooking Competition, Bio-Art Competition and Pencil Sketch Competition, among other challenges.

The Poster Competition will be open to both students and teachers, providing an opportunity to showcase creativity, scientific thinking and innovative ideas.

Medical science exhibition to feature 25+ stalls

One of the major attractions of the science fest will be a Science Exhibition on Medical Sciences, featuring more than 25 interactive stalls.

The exhibition will allow students to explore different aspects of medical and health sciences through displays, demonstrations and interactive learning experiences. The initiative is intended to help students understand scientific concepts through direct engagement rather than classroom-based learning alone.

MEDSTART ’26 to offer hands-on medical experience

As part of PRERANA, MEDSTART ’26 will be conducted on October 27 and 28, specially designed for PUC students.

The hands-on medical training programme aims to introduce young learners to the world of medicine through practical and experiential activities. It will feature four stations:

StationActivity
1Save a Life – Basic Life Support (BLS) Training
2Ready to Respond – First Aid Training
3Science Detective – Exploring Science through Investigation
4Science in Action – Interactive Clinical and Medical Learning

With two sessions each day, MEDSTART ’26 is intended to build curiosity, confidence and practical skills while giving students an insight into medical education and healthcare.

Focus on curiosity, creativity and innovation

Through PRERANA and MEDSTART, the participating Father Muller institutions aim to create an environment where students can explore, experiment, innovate and experience the excitement of science and healthcare.

The organisers have positioned the fest as a platform where young learners can engage with scientific concepts through competitions, exhibitions and hands-on activities while developing creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

The poster unveiling ceremony was attended by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions; Rev. Fr. Donald Nilesh Crasta, Administrator, Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College and Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Rev. Fr. Nelson Dheeraj Pais, Administrator, Father Muller Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical Division; Dr. Prabhu Kiran, Principal, Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College; Dr. Sateesh, Principal, Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Dr. Vilma Meera D’Souza, Vice Principal, Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College; Dr. Girish Navada, Medical Superintendent, Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College; Dr. Deepa Pais, Deputy Medical Superintendent; Dr. Indu O. S., Convenor; Mrs. Nishmitha, Co-Convenor; Dr. Deeraj Fernandes, Media Coordinator; and Dr. Shreyank Kotian, Co-Coordinator.

With the theme “Where Curiosity Meets Discovery”, PRERANA – Science Fest 2026 is expected to provide students from the region with an engaging platform to discover their interest in science, healthcare and innovation.

For more information, students and institutions can contact Dr. Indu O. S. at 9526229970 or Mrs. Nishmitha at 9964139444.