Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 8: The Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FMCOPS), Deralakatte, a unit of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, marked a significant milestone on Monday, October 7, with the inauguration of its 2024-25 academic year and the commencement of its 1st batch of bachelor of pharmacy (B Pharm) students. The grand event took place in the new auditorium within the newly constructed FMCOPS building.
The ceremony was initiated with a solemn blessing of the new academic building, led by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo designate director FMCI and administrator FMHMC&H & FMCOPS, and presided over by Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho director Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI). The prayer-filled event saw the building blessed with holy water, an age-old tradition symbolizing sanctity and protection by the director FMCI Fr Coelho and Fr Nelson Dheeraj Pais administrator Father Muller Homeopathic Production Division, alongside other esteemed members of FMCI’s clergy and management.
The event proceeded with an inaugural ceremony to formally launch the BPharm programme. A heartfelt prayer song by the students of Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College set the tone for the proceedings.
Dr Satish S, principal FMCOPS, welcomed the gathering with insightful remarks about the ever-growing pharmaceutical sector in India, which is ranked third globally. He emphasized FMCOPS's unique advantage of hands-on experience for the new students in pharmaceutical production through the institution's Homeopathic Production Division, making it a pioneering initiative in South Canara.
The ceremonial lighting of the lamp symbolized the commencement of the journey of enlightenment for the new students, followed by the playing of the institutional anthem, instilling pride in the hearts of all attendees.
The chief guest, Dr Padmaja Udaykumar, professor & HOD, department of pharmacology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru, in her address, praised the relentless efforts of Dr Narayan Swamy and Dr Rajesh were instrumental in turning the dream of the pharmacy college into a reality. She encouraged the new batch of students, expressing that being part of the first cohort was a rare privilege and an opportunity to lay the foundation for a legacy. Her message to parents was one of reassurance, emphasizing that their children were on the right path and would flourish in the hands of Father Muller’s educational framework.
Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, in his message as the administrator of FMCOPS began with the quote 'One more feather to the illustrious institution' and highlighted the journey of FMCI as one focused on value-based education, forming individuals for India and the world. He urged the new batch to carry the values of brotherhood, compassion, and peace and to become global citizens who can lead lives of purpose and integrity. Fr Lobo also expressed his appreciation for the vision of FMCI's Fr Coelho in making the dream of a pharmacy college come true and Dr Padmaja’s efforts for networking with the right people for the completion of this dream turned to reality.
Reflecting on the long journey to establish the institution, Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho shared that the idea of FMCOPS was conceived six years ago but was delayed by restrictions imposed by the governing body for pharmaceutical institutions in India, which had placed a moratorium on new pharmacy colleges for five years. With the intake of 60 students and the full infrastructure expected to be completed by March 2025, he expressed optimism about the college’s future. He assured parents that their children were in capable hands, with experienced faculty and well-equipped laboratories already in place. Fr Coelho emphasized the values of love and unity, hoping to instil a sense of brotherhood in students, reflecting Mangaluru's cultural heritage.
As the inaugural event drew to a close, Janice Leedle Crasta, assistant professor at FMCOPS, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the chief guest, dignitaries, faculty, and students for making the day memorable. The event was beautifully emceed by Nishmitha Gretta D’Souza and Fmith Celvia Miranda, both associate professors at FMCOPS.
A promising future: FMCOPS, affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru & Pharmacy Council of India, New Delhi, has made significant investments in creating a state-of-the-art academic facility, including a six-story building equipped with advanced pharmaceutical laboratories, digital teaching aids, and a well-stocked library.
The serene campus provides separate accommodations for male and female students, ensuring a conducive learning environment. The BPharm course offers diverse career opportunities in retail, hospital pharmacies, research, clinical trials, and entrepreneurship, with pharmacists playing a critical role in public health and patient care.
With admissions now open for the first batch till the end of October 2024, FMCOPS is poised to become a premier institution in pharmaceutical education, providing high-quality education and producing future leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. Scholarships for meritorious students further enhance the institution’s appeal, making it a beacon of opportunity for aspiring pharmacists.
With October 30 marked as the last date for admissions, the event not only celebrated the launch of a new academic year but also ushered in a new chapter for Father Muller’s legacy in healthcare education. The first batch of BPharm students now embark on their journey, one that will shape the future of pharmaceutical sciences in the region and beyond.