Mangaluru: The Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) celebrated the 184th Birth Anniversary of its Founder, Rev. Fr Augustus Muller SJ, with the inauguration and blessing of the newly completed Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FMCOPS) building at the Deralakatte Campus.
The momentous occasion was led by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese & President of FMCI, accompanied by Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho (Director, FMCI), Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo (Designate Director, FMCI & Administrator, FMHMC&H, Deralakatte), administrators, deans, medical superintendents, management committee members, faculty, and students.
Blessing and Inaugural Ceremony
The ceremony began at 11:00 AM with the unveiling of the inaugural plaque and ribbon-cutting by the Bishop, followed by prayers and a solemn blessing of the FMCOPS building.
A formal gathering was held in the auditorium, beginning with a prayer song by FMCOPS students. The event was anchored by Mrs. Fmith Celvia Miranda & Mrs. Nishmitha Gretta D’Souza, Associate Professors of FMCOPS.
The dignitaries present on the dais included:
✔ Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese & President of FMCI
✔ Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director, FMCI
✔ Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Designate Director, FMCI & Administrator, FMHMC&H & FMCOPS, Deralakatte
✔ Rev. Fr Nelson Dheeraj Pais, Administrator, FMHPD, Deralakatte
✔ Rev. Fr Ashwin Lawrence Crasta, Asst. Administrator, FMHMC&H & HPD, Deralakatte
✔ Dr ESJ Prabhu Kiran, Principal, FMHMC, Deralakatte
✔ Dr Vilma Meera D’Souza, Vice Principal, FMHMC, Deralakatte
✔ Dr Girish Navada, Medical Superintendent, FMHMC&H, Deralakatte
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo spoke on the importance of progress and transformation, emphasizing that “change” is the only constant in life and a key to growth in healthcare and education.
Director’s Message: A Vision for the Future
Addressing the audience, Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of FMCI, reflected on the journey of FMCOPS.
📌 The vision began in 2017, but the project faced delays due to regulatory restrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
📌 By 2023, all necessary approvals were secured, and the first batch of 32 students commenced studies in 2024.
📌 The six-floor building was meticulously planned and executed, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the administrators and faculty.
He expressed gratitude to:
✔ Dr. Padmaja Udaykumar (HOD, Pharmacology, FMMC) and the late Mr. Narayanswami, for their guidance in structuring the institution.
✔ Dr. Satish S., Principal of FMCOPS, for his relentless efforts in planning, groundwork, and designing the FMCOPS logo.
✔ Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, for supervising the construction with meticulous attention to detail.
🚀 FMCI has applied for increasing student intake from 60 to 100 and the introduction of a Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) program.
Recognizing Contributors in Construction
The event also honored key contributors who played a role in the completion of FMCOPS:
🏗 Civil Contractor – Mr. Maxim Correa
🏗 Main Engineer – Mr. Christopher Noronha
🏗 Assistant Engineer – Mr. Kiran
🏗 Structural Engineer – Mr. Ekanatha Dandakeri
🏗 Supervisors – Mr. Ronald Pais & Mr. Richard Correa
🔌 Electrical Contractor – Mr. Maxim Crasta
🚰 Plumbing Contractor – Mr. Vincent Pinto
🔧 Aluminium Fabricator – Mr. Joy
🔥 Gas Work – Mr. Dayanandh
🛋 Furniture Work – Mr. Dolphy D’Souza
🔩 Fabrication Work – Mr. Prasad
Presidential Address: Commitment to Excellence
In his Presidential Address, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha commended FMCI’s unwavering dedication to healthcare education and service.
💡 He praised Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho for his visionary leadership, humorously drawing a comparison between him and FMCI’s founder, Rev. Fr Augustus Muller, SJ, in terms of resilience, responsibility, and even appearance.
💡 Highlighting the expanding opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector, he encouraged students and faculty to focus on research, development, and ethical medical practices to make meaningful contributions to society.
Conclusion & Celebrations
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Satish S., who remarked:
🗨 “Good buildings come from good people and good solutions.”
🎶 The event concluded with the Institutional Anthem, followed by a grand celebratory lunch for all attendees.
A Milestone in FMCI’s Legacy
The inauguration of Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FMCOPS) stands as a testament to FMCI’s commitment to medical education, research, and community service. With its state-of-the-art facilities, expanding programs, and a clear vision for the future, FMCOPS is set to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of pharmaceutical professionals.
