Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 25: World Homoeopathy Day 2026 was celebrated on Saturday April 25 at Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital (FMHMCH), Deralakatte, commemorating the 271st birth anniversary of Dr Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homoeopathy.
The inaugural programme commenced in the college auditorium. The chief guest for the occasion was Dr H R Thimmaiah, district health and family welfare officer, Dakshina Kannada. The guests of honour were distinguished alumni, Dr Gretta Lobo, distinguished alumnus of 1985 UG batch and Dr Joy K Banerjee, distinguished alumnus of 2001 UG batch.
The event began with the garlanding of the busts of Fr Augustus Muller and Dr Samuel Hahnemann, as a mark of respect and remembrance of their invaluable contributions. This was followed by an introduction and a prayer song, setting a solemn and auspicious tone for the programme. Dr Anusha G Sanil, convener of the event, escorted the dignitaries to the dais.
Dr E S J Prabhu Kiran, principal of the institution, delivered the welcome address, warmly greeting the gathering and emphasizing the importance and global relevance of Homoeopathy. The dignitaries then formally inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
As part of the celebrations, prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions held in connection with World Homoeopathy Day 2026. Fr Donald Nilesh Crasta, administrator, presented the awards. Prizes were also distributed for the ‘Colours of Materia Medica’ competition organized by the department of Materia Medica, as well as for the model-making competition organized by the department of obstetrics and gynaecology on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
This was followed by the administrator’s message, highlighting the significance of homoeopathy in modern healthcare. In his address, Fr Donald Nilesh Crasta congratulated students for actively participating in academic and co-curricular activities and to take every opportunity to understand, practice, and promote homoeopathy, upholding the mission to heal and comfort.
The chief guest addressed the gathering, sharing valuable insights and inspiring both students and faculty. He expressed that he was truly mesmerized by the students, appreciating their active participation in numerous competitions and their remarkable achievement of winning multiple prizes. He also emphasized that every medical system has its own unique benefits and strengths, and no one system is superior to another. He encouraged practitioners to remain committed to a single system and practice it with dedication for the betterment of patient care.
The prestigious ‘Dr Mukesh Batra’s Homoeopathy Scholarship’ awards from Dr Batra’s Positive Health Foundation were presented by the director, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, recognizing meritorious students for their academic excellence.
• Gold Scholarship: Srikanya KH
• Silver Scholarship: Akhil Monteiro
• Bronze Scholarship: C S Joelene
Mementos were presented to the chief guest and guests of honour by the director as a token of appreciation. In his presidential address, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo highlighted the growing importance of homoeopathy and encouraged students to uphold the principles and values of this gentle system of medicine. He emphasized that practitioners should ‘profess, practice and proclaim’ — to truly believe in their system, take pride in homoeopathy, and set an example for others through dedicated and ethical practice.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Anusha G Sanil, convener, followed by the institution anthem.
After a short tea break, interactive sessions were conducted with the guests of honour, Dr Gretta Lobo and Dr Joy K Banerjee, providing students with an opportunity to gain insights from their professional experiences.
The programme was gracefully compered by Dr Deeksha Parvathi and Pooja.
The celebration concluded with lunch, marking the end of a meaningful and enriching World Homoeopathy Day 2026.