Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 4: Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS), in association with the Karnataka Allied Healthcare Professionals Association (KAHPA), hosted a series of competitions for postgraduate students in Allied Health Sciences (AHS) and physiotherapy on September 3. The event, held under the theme ‘Innovative Ideas That Can Revolutionize Healthcare’, coincided with the celebration of Teacher's Day and the valedictory programme, which took place in the Decennial Memorial Hall.
The event commenced with a warm welcome by Dr Hilda D’Souza, principal of FMCOAHS. Dr Rajesh Shenoy, president of KAHPA, provided an overview of KAHPA and offered insights on the day’s events. The highlight of the day was the distribution of prizes to the winners of various competitions.
The chief guest, Prof Dr U T Ifthikar Fareed, chairman of the Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council, presented the awards:
Category 1: Innovative teaching techniques
Winner: Prajna from NITTE Deemed to be University, specialty in MIT
Prize sponsored by Yenepoya University
Category 2: Research paper presentation
Winner: Navya M from Mangala Institute of AHS, specialty in RDT
Prize sponsored by St Ann’s Group of Institutions
Category 3: Case Study
Winner: Rajeshwari Nejikar from KAPMIAHS, specialty in clinical psychology
Prize sponsored by Athena Group of Institutions
Category 4: Simulation-based learning
Winner: Yelluru Heri Prabhas from NITTE Deemed to be University, specialty in MIT
Prize sponsored by Moodalakatte Group of Institutions
Following the award distribution, mementoes were presented to the judges of the competitions by Fr Ajith B Menezes administrator of FMCOAHS and FMCOP. The esteemed panel of judges included Dr Vishwas, professor of microbiology at KMC College of AHS; Seema, principal and HOD of ciochemistry at Sridevi Institute of AHS; Vijaya Keshv Bhat, professor of hospital administration at AJ Institutes of AHS; Dr Praveen John, associate professor of radiology at AJ Institutes of AHS; and Dr Deepa, professor and HOD of clinical psychology at AJ Institutes of AHS.
A special felicitation ceremony was held in honour of Dr Arun Kumar K., associate professor of the department of biochemistry, who has served as a dedicated teacher for over 30 years. Sharon Raju, assistant professor in the department of microbiology, introduced Dr Arun Kumar, who expressed his gratitude and spoke passionately about the teaching profession and the impact of one’s environment on personal and professional growth.
The chief guest, Prof Dr U T Ifthikar Fareed, addressed the gathering, highlighting the newly formed Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council. He shared that this was his first AHS event as chairman and elaborated on the council's ongoing efforts to streamline processes for AHS courses. He also mentioned the introduction of a PAN India registration number for AHS students, which will add value to their qualifications and allow them to practice with pride both within and outside India.
Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, delivered the presidential address, expressing his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of all involved, congratulating the winners, and extending his admiration for Dr Arun Kumar’s contributions to the teaching profession.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Shripriya Rao, principal of MV Shetty College of Allied Health Sciences. The national anthem was followed by an interactive Q&A session with Prof Dr U T Ifthikar Fareed and Dr Rajesh Shenoy. Claudia Johnny assistant professor of biochemistry FMCOAHS was the emcee for the event. The event ended on a positive note with tea and snacks for all attendees, including students and staff from various colleges.