Mangaluru: Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) organised a legal awareness programme on the “Legal Implications of Ragging” as part of its observance of Anti-Ragging Day 2026, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive academic environment across its constituent institutions.
The programme was organised by the Anti-Ragging Review Committee, FMCI, in collaboration with Father Muller Medical College, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, Father Muller College of Nursing, Father Muller College of Physiotherapy, Father Muller College (Speech & Hearing), and Father Muller Allied Health Sciences College, Thumbay.
Although Anti-Ragging Day is officially observed across the country on August 12, the institution commemorated the occasion on July 23 under the theme “Say NO to Ragging, Say YES to Respect.”
Institution reiterates commitment to ragging-free campus
The programme commenced with an invocation by students of Father Muller College of Nursing.
Welcoming the gathering, Rev. Dr. Michael Santhumayor, Administrator of Father Muller Medical College, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, Father Muller College of Nursing, and Father Muller College of Physiotherapy, highlighted the institution’s continued commitment to ensuring a ragging-free campus.
Dr. Nagesh K. R., Convenor of the Anti-Ragging Review Committee, introduced the guest speaker and emphasised the importance of legal awareness in preventing ragging and promoting responsible student behaviour.
Students sensitised on legal consequences of ragging
Presiding over the programme, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, reiterated the institution’s zero-tolerance policy towards ragging.
He urged students to promote a culture of mutual respect, compassion, and inclusivity while encouraging the gathering of more than 1,000 students to uphold the institution’s anti-ragging policies and guide incoming batches in maintaining a safe campus environment.
The resource person, Mrs. Latha C. S. Holla, practising advocate from Mangaluru, delivered a detailed session on the legal aspects of ragging.
She explained the different forms of ragging recognised under the law, the legal consequences and penalties associated with such offences, and referred to landmark Supreme Court judgments that reinforce the seriousness of ragging in educational institutions.
Her interactive presentation also highlighted students’ rights and responsibilities while stressing the importance of ethical conduct and mutual respect on campus.
Collective commitment to student safety
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Cynthia Santhumayor, Principal of Father Muller College (Speech & Hearing).
The event witnessed the participation of principals, faculty members, Anti-Ragging Committee members, and students from all constituent colleges of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, reaffirming the institution’s collective commitment to fostering a campus culture built on respect, safety, and human dignity.
