Mangaluru: Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) concluded its Founder’s Day celebrations with a grand cultural extravaganza, marking the 185th birth anniversary of Rev. Fr Augustus Muller and the 146th year of the institution’s service in healthcare and education.
The cultural evening, held at the Father Muller Convention Centre, showcased vibrant performances by faculty and staff from various constituent units of FMCI, transforming the venue into a colourful celebration of creativity, unity, and institutional pride.
Unique tradition of faculty-led cultural performances
Unlike many academic institutions where cultural events are led primarily by students, the Father Muller cultural evening stands out as a distinctive tradition where faculty and staff themselves take centre stage.
Participants presented a wide range of performances including dance, drama, music, and thematic stage presentations, reflecting the diverse cultural spirit of the institution. The evening featured vibrant costumes, creative stage props, and enthusiastic participation, turning the programme into a lively celebration of artistic expression and camaraderie.
Earlier in the day, the institution had organised a Eucharistic celebration and blessings of newly renovated medical facilities, including upgraded wards, a modern anaesthesia workstation, and a virtual anatomy table, as part of the Founder’s Day observances.
Deputy Commissioner attends as chief guest
The evening programme was graced by Darshan H. V., Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, as the chief guest.
He was ceremonially received by the band of Father Muller Nursing College, Thumbay, which escorted him along with the management committee members in a grand procession accompanied by patriotic tunes.
Upon entering the 1,750-seat Father Muller Convention Centre, which was filled to capacity, the Deputy Commissioner expressed admiration at the enthusiastic participation of students who lined the corridors to watch their mentors perform on stage.
Addressing the gathering, he praised FMCI for its consistent excellence in both medical education and healthcare services. He encouraged students to pursue academic excellence and develop leadership qualities to serve society and the nation.
Vision for the future of the institution
Delivering the presidential address, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of FMCI, reflected on the institution’s humble beginnings and its transformation into a major healthcare and educational network.
He noted that Father Muller Charitable Institutions continue to uphold the founding mission of compassionate service while expanding their academic and healthcare reach.
Fr Lobo also highlighted the institution’s long-term vision of transitioning into a Deemed-to-be University, which would open new opportunities for academic growth, research, and international collaboration.
Looking ahead, he also referred to the upcoming 150th institutional jubilee celebrations, expected in the next four years, describing it as a historic milestone that would honour generations of service and dedication.
Cultural performances celebrate diversity and heritage
The cultural segment of the evening featured performances from multiple constituent units of FMCI.
The Religious Sisters serving within FMCI presented a devotional worship hymn expressing gratitude for divine blessings. Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing opened the cultural performances with a graceful welcome dance.
Faculty members from Father Muller Medical College, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, and Father Muller College of Physiotherapy presented a lively showcase tracing the evolution of Bollywood cinema through the decades.
Another segment by Father Muller Medical College Hospital highlighted the vibrancy of South Indian cinema, including Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Konkani, and Tulu film traditions.
Faculty from Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College, Father Muller Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical Division, and Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences performed a creative choreography based on Navarasa, portraying the nine classical emotions in Indian aesthetics.
Meanwhile, teams from Father Muller Hospital Thumbay, Father Muller Nursing College Thumbay, and Father Muller Allied Health College Thumbay presented a patriotic tribute depicting the life and sacrifices of a soldier.
The evening concluded with a powerful cultural presentation titled “Tulunadu” by Father Muller College of Nursing, celebrating the traditions, folklore, and heritage of coastal Karnataka.
Sports honours and bravery recognition
The programme also included a sports awards ceremony for faculty and staff, recognising winners of various sporting events including Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Football, Throwball, Tug of War, Volleyball, and Cricket.
These competitions, held between February and March 11, encouraged teamwork and healthy competition among the staff of different FMCI units. Physical instructors who coordinated the events were also honoured for their efforts.
A particularly moving moment came with the presentation of the FMMCH Bravery Awards, recognising members of the nursing staff who displayed exceptional courage and compassion while saving the life of a patient who had attempted self-harm after receiving a serious diagnosis.
The recognition drew heartfelt applause and highlighted the dedication of the nursing fraternity to patient care.
Grand fellowship dinner concludes celebrations
The Founder’s Day celebrations concluded with a grand vegetarian dinner buffet hosted for nearly 8,000 faculty members, staff, and students.
The meal reflected the spirit of the Lenten season, ensuring that the celebrations remained respectful of the solemn religious observance.
The cultural extravaganza thus served as a joyful and fitting culmination to the Founder’s Day celebrations, honouring the legacy of Rev. Fr Augustus Muller and celebrating the unity, talent, and mission of Father Muller Charitable Institutions.
