Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 29: The National Library day was celebrated at Father Muller Charitable Institutions Central Library on August 29 in the Decennial Memorial Hall of Father Muller Knowledge Centre. The occasion was to commemorate the 134th birth anniversary of Padmashri Late Dr S R Ranganathan who is considered as Father of Library Science in India.
On the occasion of ‘National Library Day 2026’, the Central Library Committee, Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru had conducted a health sciences inter collegiate undergraduate general knowledge quiz ‘Muller Liber – 2026’ on August 29. A total of 27 colleges in and around the DK & Udupi districts participated in this event.
Dr Anil Shetty, professor, HoD, department of paediatrics, FMMC was the quiz master. Dr Michael Ligory Santhumayor, administrator, FMMC welcomed him by offering a sapling. Jubee Joseph, associate professor of medical-surgical nursing, and N Sujaritha, lecturer in emergency trauma care technology, were the masters of ceremony. The preliminary rounds started at 9:30 am and went on up to 11:30 am ending with 6 teams in the final quiz. The following students were the winners of the quiz.
The first prize was bagged by Father Muller Medical College, second by K S Hegde Medical Academy, Mangaluru, third prize winners Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, Mangaluru, fourth prize was shared by Manipal College Of Nursing, Manipal and Kanachur College Of Nursing, Mangaluru. The fifth prize went to Father Muller College of Nursing, FMCON. Cash prizes were distributed to the winners.
The afternoon program began with briefing about the life of Padmashri Dr S R Ranganathan, followed by a prayer song. The welcome address by Dr Manjunath J, professor & HoD, Nephrology/RDT, chairperson of the Central Library Committee.
The programme was graced by chief guest, Raghavendra K V, deputy director, City Central Library, Mangaluru along with other dignitaries on the dais namely, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, FMCI, Dr Michael Ligory Santhumayor, administrator, FMMC, FMCOAHS, FMCOP, Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, dean, FMMC, Dr Manjunath J, chairperson, Central Library Committee, Dr Janet Dotty Lobo, chief librarian, FMCI and secretary of the Central Library Committee.
The dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp and offered a floral tribute to the late Dr S R Ranganathan’s portrait.
Dr Janet Dotty Lobo, chief librarian, FMCI and secretary of the Central Library Committee introduced the chief guest.
The chief guest, Raghavendra K V, deputy director, City Central Library, Mangaluru, highlighted the importance of libraries in medical education and healthcare. He spoke about Dr S R Ranganathan’s five laws of Library Science and their relevance to the medical profession. He emphasised the role of libraries in evidence-based medicine, research, and continuous learning. He encouraged students to make effective use of library resources and develop a habit of lifelong learning. He concluded by describing the library as a “compass” for future doctors.
Following the address by the chief guest, Fr Dr Michael Ligory Santhumayor, administrator- FMMC offered memento.
The Library Club logo was inaugurated by the director, FMCI, followed by the announcement of the winner and the judges. Dr Sueallen Lorna D'Souza, assistant professor, department of pathology, was recognised for her valuable contribution to the Library Club. The certificates were issued by the administrator-FMMC to the following –
Library club logo design competition winner:
Prakyath Shetty Father Muller Medical College - MBBS student (intern 2021 batch)
Judges:
Dr Daron Mascarenhas, assistant professor, department of anatomy, Father Muller Medical College
Hemanth K, lecturer & lab incharge, department of biochemistry, Father Muller Allied Health Sciences College, Thumbay and Father Muller Hospital Thumbay
Lakshmi S Kunnath, assistant professor, department of speech language pathology, Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing.
This was followed by the prize distribution under the different categories and awardees names announced by Dr Janet Dotty Lobo, chief librarian, and the secretary of the Central Library Committee. The best library user awards were given to the students in 3 categories based on the highest usage of library and borrowings in undergraduate section, postgraduate section & utilization of e-resources in the e-library.
Best User Awards:
- UG section: Aston Gonsalves – MBBS student 2023 batch
- PG section: Dr AmithVenkatesh Bhat – PG student - Pharmacology 2024 batch
- E-Library – Deekshith H N – MHA student 2025 batch
BMJ author recognition
BMJ case reports: selected based on those who published case reports in BMJ.
- Dr Joylene D’Almeida, Dr Shannon Fernandes, Dr Diya Mathen
- Dr Vijay Sundarsingh, DrAriharan K, Dr Prashanth Y M
- Dr Sripathi Kamath B, Dr Akshata C, Dr Shishir D
BMJ journals: selected based on those who published articles in BMJ Journals.
- Dr Ariharan K, Dr Somasree M
- Dr Praveen Krishna B
- Dr Sweta Shanbhag
- Dr Divya Vincent, Dr PriyaMitali, Dr Antony Eapen, Dr Lulu Sherif
BMJ research to publication recognition: Students selected based on those who completed BMJ Research to Publication modules.
Staff
- Shruthi B – Research Centre
- MPT-Students – 2025 Batch
- Billa Grace Olivia
- Elisuba Johnson
- Femina Alphons George
- Hrusvi K P
- Jency Anna Job
- Joel Patrick
- Krithika
- Mary Thomas
- Raksha
- Rince Varughese Raji
- Sharel Joseph Rego
- Sheetal S Prabhu
- Sr SnehaOuseph
- Subhashini N R
- Thriveni Devi
- Tonya Rodrigues
- Vedakrupa Kattimani
Dr John J S Martis, professor, department of general surgery, served as the chairperson of the Central Library Committee from 2023 to 2025. In recognition of his yeoman service and valuable contributions to the Library, he was honoured on this special occasion by the Director, FMCI.
Following the prize distribution by Dr Manjunath J, professor & HoD, Nephrology/RDT, chairperson of the Central Library Committee offered saplings to the sponsors as a token of appreciation and to the guitarist – Chathlyne Shaji Varghese – BSc MIT 2024 batch student.
Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, FMCI presided over the event and addressed the gathering. He talked about the importance of reading books and making effective use of the library to gain knowledge and awareness. He encouraged students to look beyond entertainment and stay informed about current affairs and the world around them. He highlighted that books are a rich source of knowledge, combining the author’s learning, reflection, analysis, and life experience. He urged students to develop the habit of reading and critical thinking.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Prof Cherishma D'Silva, principal, Father Muller College of Physiotherapy and the programme was meticulously compered by Dr Sueallen Lorna D'Souza, assistant professor, Pathology, FMMC and Dr Calida Frieda Pinto, assistant professor, Speech and Hearing. The programme was concluded by Institutional Anthem followed by refreshments.