On 7th October 2024, the Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FMCOPS) in Derlakatte, Mangalore, celebrated the inauguration of its new academic year and the commencement of its inaugural Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) batch. This milestone event took place in the newly constructed FMCOPS building’s auditorium, symbolising a promising future for the institution and its students.
The ceremony commenced with a solemn blessing of the new academic building, conducted by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, the Designate Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), and was presided over by Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of FMCI. The ritual involved the traditional sprinkling of holy water, signifying the sanctity and protective aspirations for the new facility, supported by other esteemed members of FMCI’s clergy and management.
Following the blessing, the formal inauguration of the B.Pharm programme was held. The event featured a heartfelt prayer song performed by students from the Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College, setting an uplifting tone for the proceedings. Dr. Satish S, Principal of FMCOPS, welcomed the attendees and shared insightful remarks about the expanding pharmaceutical sector in India, which currently ranks third globally. He highlighted FMCOPS’s unique advantage of offering hands-on experience in pharmaceutical production through the institution’s Homeopathic Production Division, positioning it as a pioneering initiative in South Canara.
A ceremonial lighting of the lamp marked the beginning of the academic journey for the new students, symbolising enlightenment and knowledge. The Institutional Anthem played thereafter, instilling a sense of pride among attendees.
Dr. Padmaja Udaykumar, the Chief Guest and Professor & Head of the Department of Pharmacology at Father Muller Medical College, addressed the gathering, commending the relentless efforts of Dr. Narayan Swamy and Dr. Rajesh for making the vision of the pharmacy college a reality. She urged the new cohort to seize the opportunity to lay the foundation for a lasting legacy, while reassuring parents that their children were embarking on a promising path under the guidance of Father Muller’s educational framework.
Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, as Administrator of FMCOPS, remarked, “One more feather to the illustrious institution,” emphasising the value-based education FMCI strives to provide. He encouraged students to embody the principles of brotherhood, compassion, and peace, aspiring to become global citizens. Fr. Lobo also acknowledged the pivotal role played by Fr. Coelho in actualising the dream of the pharmacy college and recognised Dr. Padmaja’s networking efforts that facilitated this achievement.
Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho shared insights on the journey to establish FMCOPS, mentioning that the concept originated six years ago but faced delays due to regulatory restrictions on new pharmacy colleges in India. He expressed optimism about the college’s future with an initial intake of 60 students and anticipated completion of full infrastructure by March 2025. He assured parents that their children would receive quality education from experienced faculty in well-equipped laboratories.
As the event drew to a close, Mrs. Janice Leedle Crasta, Assistant Professor at FMCOPS, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, faculty, and students for their contributions to a memorable day. The ceremony was adeptly emceed by Associate Professors Mrs. Nishmitha Gretta Dsouza and Mrs. Fmith Celvia Miranda.
FMCOPS, affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, and the Pharmacy Council of India, has invested significantly in developing a state-of-the-art academic facility. The six-storey building features advanced pharmaceutical laboratories, digital teaching aids, and a well-stocked library. The serene campus provides separate accommodations for male and female students, fostering a conducive learning environment.
The B.Pharm programme opens diverse career pathways in retail, hospital pharmacies, research, clinical trials, and entrepreneurship. With admissions now open until the end of October 2024, FMCOPS is poised to establish itself as a leading institution in pharmaceutical education, committed to producing future leaders in the industry. Additionally, scholarships for meritorious students enhance the institution’s appeal, making it a beacon of opportunity for aspiring pharmacists.
As the last date for admissions approaches on October 30th, this inaugural event not only celebrated the launch of a new academic year but also heralded a new chapter in Father Muller’s legacy in healthcare education. The first batch of B.Pharm students is set to embark on a transformative journey, shaping the future of pharmaceutical sciences in the region and beyond.