Mangaluru: Christmas celebrations were held with warmth and community spirit at the Father Muller Deralakatte Campus on the evening of December 17, 2025. The festive programme was jointly organised by Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital (FMHMCH), Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FMCOPS) and the Father Muller Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical Division (FMHPD) at the Homoeopathic College premises, bringing together students, staff and guests in a celebration of faith, unity and service.

Dignitaries highlight harmony and coexistence

The dignitaries on the dais included Mr M. A. Gafoor, Chairman, Coastal Development Board, Government of Karnataka, as Guest of Honour, and Mrs Divya Satish Shetty, President of Kotekar Town Panchayat, as Chief Guest. The programme was presided over by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI).

Also present were Rev. Fr Donald Nilesh Crasta, Administrator, FMHMCH and FMCOPS; Rev. Fr Nelson Dheeraj Pais, Administrator, FMHPD; Rev. Fr Ashwin Crasta, Assistant Administrator, FMHMCH and FMCOPS; Dr E. S. J. Prabhu Kiran, Principal, FMHMC; Dr S. Satish, Principal, FMCOPS; Dr Girish Navada U. K., Medical Superintendent, FMHMCH; and Dr Vilma Meera D’Souza, Vice Principal, FMHMC.

The programme began with a welcome address by Rev. Fr Nelson Dheeraj Pais, who set the tone for the evening’s celebrations.

Messages of compassion and service

Addressing the gathering, Guest of Honour Mr M. A. Gafoor said it was commendable how the Father Muller institutions at Deralakatte brought people together through the celebration of Christmas. He noted that peaceful coexistence and social harmony are possible when people live with mutual respect, and observed that such celebrations stand as ideal examples of unity.

Chief Guest Mrs Divya Satish Shetty expressed her happiness at being part of the celebration, stating that harmonious Christmas gatherings inspire love and trust among people. She also appreciated the recognition and felicitation of individuals who supported the medical camps and community outreach programmes organised by FMHMCH, adding significance to their service.

In his presidential address, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo reflected on the message of Jesus Christ, emphasising compassion, mutual understanding and service to others. He observed that all religions promote similar values, and that celebrating Christmas collectively across communities offers a guiding path towards building a better and more humane society.

Felicitation and festive celebrations

On the occasion, Mr M. A. Gafoor and Mrs Divya Satish Shetty were felicitated on behalf of FMCI. Key contributors who supported medical camps and community programmes organised by FMHMCH were also recognised and honoured for their service.

As part of the Christmas fervour, a festive cake was cut by the dignitaries on the dais along with Dr Anusha G. Sanil, Cultural Coordinator, and Dr Ancy George, Cultural Co-coordinator, FMHMC, followed by the distribution of cake to all present.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Rev. Fr Donald Nilesh Crasta, Administrator, FMHMCH and FMCOPS. The formal programme was compered by Dr Nandan Krishna and Mrs Nishmitha, faculty members of FMHMC and FMCOPS respectively.

Cultural performances mark joyful evening

Following the formal programme, cultural performances by faculty, students and staff of the Father Muller Deralakatte Campus added colour and cheer to the evening. The cultural segment was compered by Dr Chrisel D’sa, MD Scholar, and Ms Farah Mariam, II BHMS.

The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation and vibrant performances, making it a joyful and memorable occasion that truly reflected the spirit of Christmas.