Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (JS)

Mangaluru, Mar 13: The graduation ceremony and institutions' day of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) was held in a grand manner at the Father Muller Stadium, Kankanady here on Friday March 13.

Dr K S Ravindranath, vice chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka was the chief guest, Dr Ibrahim Ahmad Bajunid, deputy vice chancellor, INTI International University, Malaysia was the guest of honour. Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, vicar general of Mangaluru diocese and also the vice president of Father Muller Charitable Institutions presided over the function.

Fr Patrick Rodrigues, director, Fr Rudoplh Ravi D’Sa, administrator, Fr Richard Coelho, administrator, Fr Vincent Saldanha, Fr Roshan Crasta, assistant administrator, Dr J P Alva, dean, Dr Shivaprasad K, principal, Sr Winifred D’Souza, prinicpal, Jasmine Vas, principal, and Akhilesh P M, principal, were present on the dais.

Fr Patrick Rodrigues welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering and read out the reports of the academic year.

As many as 576 graduates from different streams celebrated their success on this day. It was a matter of pride for the institution as there were 249 students graduating from Father Muller Medical College, 100 from Father Muller Homeopathic Medical College, 172 from Father Muller College of Nursing, 41 students from Father Muller School of Nursing and 14 from Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing. On this occasion they also celebrated the completion of NAAC accreditation process and grant of top grades to five of their educational institutions.

Achievers in various fields were also awarded on the occasion.

Delivering the Graduation address Dr K S Ravindranath said, "I thank the management of Father Muller for having me here at this occasion. I know how difficult it is to get into medical field. Getting into medical field is entirely different from being successful in it. Medical field requires a lot of commitment and takes longer time compared to other professions. But all though it takes long, you can enjoy your profession as long as you have health.

"You should have passion to serve people. Making money should not be the aim. Once you excel in this profession, name and fame will automatically come to you. You have taken oath to serve people. You should have sympathy towards people. Whatever work you do, you should give your best. Do not bother whether the patient has money or not. Your motto should be to serve people. Patients should be your priority. You can get knowledge through books but you cannot get experience. So respect your teachers and alma matter throughout your career. Respect your parents. Their sacrifice has made you reach this position today. Father Muller has been serving the society from a long time and giving affordable treatment."

Dr Ibrahim Ahmad Bajunid said, "This is a turning point in the career of all the graduates. India has contributed to civilization in so many ways. You are fortunate that you are in this profession of caring, giving treatment to the patients. This is just the beginning of your journey. In the past years, Father Muller has made a difference in the society. I am honoured to be invited here. You should build high standards of professionalism in you. You should adopt good practices and morals in your mission. Be worthy of yourself, your family, teachers and society. This is the beginning of building your integrity. You should be bold enough to build your career. Respect your elders and parents so that your children respect you."

Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu in his address said, "Father Muller Institution was started with the vision to serve poor and it has been delivering the best to the poor. On each graduation day, Father Muller reaffirms the same mantra of serving poor. I congratulate all the graduates and ask them to be the ambassador of Father Muller Institution by serving the poor and healing them with care and comfort."

Fr Rudolph Ravi D'Sa delivered vote of thanks.

Entertainment programme by the students of the institution followed the formal ceremony.

Earlier thanksgiving mass was offered by Fr Joseph Martis, rector, St Joseph's Seminary, Jeppu. He also preached a meaningful homily highlighting Jesus' healing ministry which is carried out in Father Muller Charitable Institutions. Fr Patrick Rodrigues, the irector of the Institution welcomed all the graduates, their parents, staff and students. A very meaningful liturgy was arranged. The choir group sang melodious hymns.

After the Eucharistic celebration a new medical store in the Father Muller Utility Complex was inaugurated by Captain J P Menezes, a well-wisher and member of Father Muller Charitable Society. This new medical store has state-of-the-art facilities and a large waiting area to cater to OP prescriptions. Fr Joseph Martis blessed the new medical store.

Fr Richard Coelho, administrator, FMMCH, Fr Rudolph D’Sa, administrator, Fr Roshan Crasta, assistant administrator, FMMCH, Fr Vincent Saldanha, administrator of FMHMC&H, Deralakatte were present among others.