Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 15: The closing ceremony of the silver jubilee celebration of Father Muller Medical College to commemorate 25 years of dedication to excellence in medical education was held at the Father Muller Convention Centre on Friday, November 15.
Bishop of Mangalore diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha said, "We are celebrating the silver jubilee as we have overcome all challenges throughout these years. We have also marked further growth by initiating the process to make this institution a deemed-to-be university."
He added, "All of us working here have brought name and fame to this institution. The credit goes to all of you—the faculty members, the director, former presidents, former administrators, staff, and students. I congratulate you and wish you the best for the coming years. We have a big task ahead and will work hand in hand so that our institution continues to grow."
Bishop emeritus of Mangalore diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza said, "A silver jubilee is a memorable event for any institution, where past memories can be recalled and celebrated joyfully. The late defence minister George Fernandes inaugurated this medical college. Dr Bernard Moras applied for the college back then and was later appointed as the bishop of Belagavi, which led to him leaving Father Muller. Late Baptist Menezes was appointed as the director. I was the then president and led a delegation that included the late Oscar Fernandes, Blasius D'Souza, and B A Mohiuddin to meet the then chief minister J H Patil seeking permission to start the college."
He continued, "We expressed to Chief Minister J H Patil our desire to serve humanity and the poorer sections of society and sought approval for the college. He granted permission, and the late George Fernandes helped secure approval from the central government."
Father Muller has 700 beds designated for the poor. In the last financial year, Father Muller provided charity worth Rs 106 crore to the underprivileged. "Serving the poor is our mission, and Father Muller Medical College is among the best in the country. Starting with 100 students, it now admits 150 students and receives over 1,000 applications for admission," Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza stated.
During the event, dignitaries approved the initiation of the process for Father Muller to become a deemed-to-be university.
Bishop emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza also launched the new website and documentary and unveiled a commemorative magazine. Dignitaries released a book titled Touched by Angels.
Non-teaching staff who completed 20 years of service, spiritual animators, and teaching staff were honored for their contributions. Former directors, assistant directors, administrators, and deans were also recognized.
Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, administrator of FMMC Fr Ajith B Menezes, dean Dr Antony Sylvan D'Souza, and bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha were felicitated.
Before the formal program, a Eucharistic celebration led by Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was held at St Joseph Chapel, Father Muller Kankanady campus.
A musical performance by renowned playback singer Nihal Tauro, finalist of Indian Idol Season 12, was also featured.
Dean of FMMC Dr Antony Sylvan D'Souza, administrator Fr Ajith B Menezes, medical superintendent Dr Uday Kumar, and others were present.
Director Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho welcomed the gathering, while Fr Ajith B Menezes proposed the vote of thanks.
Dr George Joseph and Dr Alphonso Mary compered the event.