Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 1: In a grand and momentous celebration, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS) held the investiture ceremony of the student council 2024-25 and unveiled the first edition of the AHS magazine, ‘Ignite 2024’, on Friday, February 28 at the Father Muller Convention Centre.
The event was graced by Fr Chetan Leo Lobo, OFM Cap, director, Assisi Press and Studios, as the chief guest. The ceremony commenced with an elegant procession of dignitaries into the hall, followed by a soulful prayer song by the AHS student choir.
A New Chapter for Student Leadership
Jessica Jerald Serrao, outgoing general secretary (2023-24), delivered the welcome address, introducing the esteemed guest and setting the stage for an afternoon of transition and inspiration. Princeton D'Silva, outgoing student council president (2023-24), reflected on his experiences, offering heartfelt insights into his tenure as student-body leader.
In the ceremonial transfer of responsibility, Fr Ajith B Menezes, administrator, FMCOAHS/FMMC/FMCOP, formally declared the new student council members for 2024-25 as the outgoing council members handed over their official files to their successors.
Student Council 2024-25
Executive Members:
- President –Shree Gnanesh M
- General Secretary –Surya Udaykumar
Sports Committee:
- Coordinator –Sohan V Rao
- Secretary –Mohammed Nazeef
Cultural and Fine Arts Committee:
- Coordinator –Shannen Dale Vas
- Secretary –Pearline Tanisha Lobo
Magazine Committee:
- Coordinator –Mariate Jose
- Secretary –Diana M
Media Committee:
- Coordinator –Bevan Joseph Pereira
PG Representative: - Ashlin Avita D’Souza
UG Representatives: - Winston Sharon Quadras & Cathlyne Shaji Varghese
Unveiling ‘Ignite 2024’ – A Milestone in Literary Excellence
The event also witnessed the much-awaited release of the first edition of the AHS magazine, ‘Ignite 2024’. Clayton D’Cunha, editor-in-chief, and Valerie Lobo, co-editor-in-chief, shared their experiences in curating the magazine. The unveiling was performed by the chief guest, dignitaries, managerial committee members, and the magazine committee, symbolizing a new era of creative expression at FMCOAHS.
Oath-Taking and Inspirational Addresses
Dr Hilda D’Souza, principal, FMCOAHS, administered the oath of office to the newly elected student council members, who were then adorned with ceremonial badges by the chief guest, Fr Chetan Leo Lobo.
Delivering his first public address, Shree Gnanesh M, president-elect, expressed his vision for the institution, promising to uphold the values of leadership, service, and integrity.
Chief Guest’s Address – A Call for Intellectual Awakening
Fr Chetan Leo Lobo delivered a thought-provoking address, urging students to embrace critical thinking and the habit of reading in an era dominated by visual culture.
"We are spending most of our time watching, but perhaps we are moving without a destination. The celebration of reading is lost. We read for exams, but not for critical thinking, knowledge, or leisure. We may be qualified but not employable, unable to trade our skills. Let’s adopt the habit of reading a book a day—it will make us capable of questioning, understanding, and growing. What is inside you determines how you rise," he emphasized.
Honouring the Outgoing Council & Editorial Board
The event also saw the presentation of certificates of recognition to the outgoing student council members and their staff advisory and editorial board, recognizing their invaluable contributions. Dr Sweta D’Cunha, professor, department of hospital administration, called upon the recipients to receive their honours.
Presidential Address – A Legacy of Service
Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), delivered the presidential Address, highlighting the role of students as future healthcare professionals.
Quoting Matthew 5:14-16, he reminded students, “You are the light of the world. A light is meant to shine on a stand, not be hidden under a bowl. As council leaders and students of FMCOAHS, you are here to become skilled professionals who will bring comfort to the suffering. Never forget your purpose."
A Grand Finale
Surya Udaykumar, general secretary, student council (2024-25), concluded the ceremony with a heartfelt vote of thanks. The event was smoothly compered by Marishka Fernandes, student of FMCOAHS.
With the new student council at the helm and ‘Ignite 2024’ set to inspire, the FMCOAHS community has embarked on another promising academic year, driven by excellence and commitment.